Experts suggest that children should work on a variety of motor programming activities in order to practice transitions between sounds and timing of speech. It is recommended that varying syllable structures be practiced, moving from simple to more complex.
Using touch-cues to produce sounds is highly recommended. For example, lightly press your child's lips together for the /m/ sound, or tap the voice box as a cue for your child to "turn on" her voice. Experts also recommend that children monitor their sense of position (also know as proprioception). In other words, children should have an awareness of where their body is in general; in specific, children should know where their speech articulators (lips, tongue, roof of mouth, etc.) are in relation to the environment.
Below are a variety of one-, two- and three-syllable words for children to practice at PNC Park, or to practice at home when watching a Pittsburgh Pirates game. Practice one syllable words, then two syllable words, then three syllables words. For example, every time you see a pitch, ask your child to say "ball" and cue her as needed. Likewise, instruct your child to say "dugout" every time the camera pans to the dugout, and so forth.
One syllable words include:
"Ball"
http://www.sportsblink.com/mounted-memories/pittsburgh-pirates-cut-stone-baseball-3360442.php
"Base"
Image retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PNC_Park
"Catch"
as well as: hit, slide, fans, strike, cap, coach, home, cleats, play, team, mitt, game, bat, plate, root, field, league, out, sport, etc.
Two syllable words include:
"Pirates"
"Dugout"
"Parrot"
as well as Pittsburgh, bleachers, dugout, mascot, baseball, scoreboard, players, innings, peanuts, owner, catcher, winner, running, cheering, jeering, pitcher, jersey, number, rookie, batter, hitter, infield, diamond, shortstop, scoreboard, etc.
Three syllable words include:
"Manager"
"Umpire"
"Concessions"
as well as souvenirs, manager, stadium, sportscaster, opponent, equipment, overtime, frankfurter, tobacco, sportsmanship, etc.
Phrases include:
"Peanuts and cracker jacks"
"Bases loaded"
"Spring training"
as well as: World Series, designated hitter, parking lot, rounding the bases, three rivers, away game, home game, stealing bases, foul ball, baseball cap, first/second/third base, baseball diamond, PNC Park, home team, hot grounder, center field, major league, minor league, home run, etc.
To work on sentences, experts recommend practicing the same sentences over and over, while changing one word at a time. Sentences should start out simple, and move to the more complex. For example, you may use the sentences starter: "I see _____." Ask your child to label what she sees. Sentences may include, "I see a ball," "I see a player," and "I see the Pittsburgh Pirates."
To work on conversation, you may ask your child who she thinks will win the game and why, what her favorite part of baseball is, or to describe the rivalries between the Pirates and other teams.
Childhood apraxia of speech is a complex topic, and this posting provides a brief overview of the disorder and treatment methods. Please post below if you have any questions, or e-mail me.
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