CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant words)

When children are between the ages of 1 and 2, they can usually say between 20 and 50 words that are intelligible to familiar listeners.  They move from saying things like "ba" for "bottle" (CV or consonant-vowel word) to things like "baba" for bottle (CVCV or consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel word).  The next step is to encourage them to develop age-appropriate speech is the CVC word, or consonant-vowel-consonant word.  This structure is important because it "closes" the syllable/word; to put it another way, it ends the word with a consonant instead of a vowel, which is closer to appropriate speech.

Many words that children first acquire are CVC words: mom, dad, cat, dog, ball, car, cup, feet, nose, etc.  Thus, it is important to reinforce this word structure.

A good place to practice CVC words that are commonly acquired by children is by visiting a cat show.  I went to one in Pittsburgh last month, and thought it was a great learning tool for outside the home.  For example, you may want to teach your child to say "cat" in the CVC format; she may produce the word cat, but it may come out as "ca" in the CV form.  First, start by modeling the word "cat."  Say it over and over.  Make sure she is paying attention, and looking at you.  You may even want to start with some pre-teaching at home, by looking at pictures of cats.  When you see each one, say "cat."  Point to a picture and ask her what it is.  If she says "ca," then repeat it again, with emphasis on the last sound.  Then, have her say it again.  Praise her for her efforts.  Practice makes perfect, so please be patient.  Once you arrive at the cat show, point to each cat and have her label it; labeling is an early skill that children learning to talk use.  This will give her practice outside the home.  If she is having difficulty, say the word for her, then say the word with her, then finally ask her to say the word by herself.  Again, this may take time but it will pay off.

 

Image retrieved from http://www.businessexpocenter.com/event/catshow.

I had planned this activity for a second upcoming cat show that was planned for the Iceoplex at South Pointe, but it was canceled.  If anyone knows of upcoming cat shows, please post below so others will be able to use this activity.

With young children, I recommend targeting the same word over and over at first in order to simplify the task, and to provide more practice.  However, there is nothing wrong with addressing other targets.  There are plenty of other CVC words that are commonly used by children at cat shows, including:

"nose"

Image retrieved from http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1671582,00.html.

"ball"

Image retrieved from http://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/exercise-and-nutrition-for-your-cat.

"feet"

Image retrieved from http://www.catster.com/lifestyle/5-cat-facts-cats-paws.

"leg"

Image retrieved from http://www.catfacts.org/legs-cat-facts.htm.

"mom"

Image retrieved from http://boninfamilyadventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/standing-guard.html.

and believe it or not, "dog."

Image retrieved from http://www.petparadisetx.com/.

*Tip: CVC words that contain sounds that are easily seen on the face are usually easiest to teach.