Good communication depends on good articulation skills. Articulation refers to the production of speech sounds. When a child has difficulty producing specific sounds, speech intelligibility decreases, and the listener may not understand the child’s intended message. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) works with a child to help him/her produce sounds correctly. They may work on individual sounds in isolation or sounds in syllables, words, phrases, or sentences. The ultimate goal is to help a child correctly produce speech sounds spontaneously at the conversational level. The SLP may send practice work home for the parents to complete with their child. Homework activities provide opportunities for a child to practice speech in a more natural environment with the encouragement and support of family.

Following is a list of homework suggestions so that a child may practice speech in everyday situations and environments. Incorporate these simple suggestions at home to help your child practice speech sounds in a functional way. Be sure to follow the guidance of the SLP that is working with your child when implementing these—and any other—practice exercises.