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How do I know if my child has a speech problem?
When it comes to speech delay toddlers are not off the hook. If your child is three years old and STRANGERS can't understand him/her, that is considered a speech delay. If your child is 2 years old and is saying only a few words, that is a language delay. For a young child with a language delay, seek out a speech and language assessment by a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. For a child who is at least 4 years old and has a speech delay, check out the SpeechWays program.
How are strong speech and language skills important for Kindergarten-Readiness?
To learn to read, children need to have a solid knowledge of the letter names of the alphabet AND the sounds that each of the letters make. Children with speech delays (don't say all or most of their speech sounds correctly) can be at risk for having difficulty learning each letter's corresponding sound. This can make certain pre-reading skills difficult, such as breaking words down into their individual sounds, for example s-a-t, or blending sounds into words ("sounding out" words). The SpeechWays Vocabulary and Language Enhancement Card gives you tips on how you can help boost your child's vocabulary and grammar skills, which are highly correlated to the development of reading skills and reading comprehension.
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What sounds are offered in the SpeechWaysTM program? And at what age can I start working on each sound?
The Speech Sound Cards that are offered in the SpeechWays program are as follows, along with the age you can start using the card for your child. For a more complete list of the speech sounds and developmental norms click here on guidelines:
k/g: 3 1/2 - 4; f/v: 3 1/2; s/z: 3 1/2 - 4; /l/: 4 1/2 - 5; /sh/: 3 1/2 - 4; ch/j: 3 1/2 - 4; /th/: 4; /r/: 4 1/2 - 5
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How do I know which card or cards I will need?
Some parents can tell you which speech sounds their child says incorrectly. However, if you can tell they say "some sounds" incorrectly, but you're not sure which ones, ask another family member to listen to your child and decide which sounds are in error, or ask a friend the same favor. Chances are high that someone in your life will be able to tell you which sounds are incorrect. Or take our speech quiz to find out more!
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Is SpeechWays only for PARENTS to administer?
Caregivers, nannies, preschool teachers, AND parents can all easily help the children in their care. The SpeechWays techniques are simple and easy to follow, and any adult in your child's life can easily teach and reinforce the correct speech sounds. Whoever is spending the most time with your child is IDEAL to help your child using the SpeechWays program.
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What are some ideas for CONVERSATIONS with my child?
Each and every day is full of speech and language enhancement opportunities, if you just tune-in to your child's world. From the moment your child gets out of bed until he lays his head on the pillow at night, there are rich conversations to be had. Ask your child what will happen at school that day. Have him plan what outings you will have together. Make homemade cookies and talk about the recipe and the ingredients. Discuss the weather and the seasonal changes while taking a walk to the park. Talk over dinner about what he did in school that day. Do word play in the tub while he's taking a bath. Read stories and discuss at bedtime. Don't forget that each time you are with your child you have the opportunity to model good speech and language, and remind him to use his good speech and language skills.
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What are some games I can play with my child for good speech and language carryover?
Any board games that involve descriptions, such as CLUETM or GUESS WHOTM are great for developing vocabulary skills. Just about any card or board game is good for speech sound carryover. Just remind your child to use his speech sound technique when he talks during the game. This is a great way to challenge his brain in two ways--to focus on his speech sound WHILE focusing on beating you at the game!
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