Assimilation; Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium

Assimilation occurs when one sound is changed to become like another sound in the word; in other words, one sound influences another.  For example, "cup" may be pronounced as "pup."  It is important to note that a child can produce all the sounds in the word correctly, so this is not an articulation problem per se.  Rather, this what experts call a "phonological process" whereby a child produces a different "rule" when saying words.  In the case of assimilation, the "rule" the child is applying is to make the sounds in the word similar.

To reduce assimilation, it is helpful to model production of the word for your child in order to increase awareness of speech.  With the word "cup," say the word slowly to emphasize each individual sound.  Say "cccuuupp."  Have your child repeat after you.  A good cue is, "Put the right sound in the right place."  Another way to heighten awareness of sounds/errors to facilitate correct speech is to contrast the error with the target.  For example, show her a picture of a "cup" and contrast it with a picture of a "pup."  Ask her to say "cup."  If she says "pup," point to the picture of the "pup" and tell her, "You said 'pup.'  You need to say 'cup,'" and then point to the picture of the word "cup."  Also, try breaking up the word.  In the case of "cup," prompt her to say "up."  Praise her when she says it correctly.  Then, prompt her to say "c..........up" then "c........up" then "c......up" and so on.  You should reduce the time between the "kuh" sound and the "up" sound with each production, until she puts the sounds together to form the word correctly.  (Provide praise!)  Of course practice makes perfect.  To train your child broadly, practice a large amount of items.  A great place is the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.  Many names of animals are susceptible to assimilation.  Also, the vocabulary should be familiar to many children.  Practice with these word below, and follow the teaching techniques from above.

Fish (may be pronounced as "shish" or "fif")

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Seal (may be pronounced as "leal")

 

Image retrieved from www.zooborns.typepad.com.

Lion (may be pronounced as "nion")

 

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Monkey (may be pronounced as "konkey")

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Zebra (may be pronounced as "bebra")

Image retrieved from http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g59642-i29712690-Wheeling_West_Virginia.html.

Shark (may be pronounced as "kark")

 

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Lemur (may be pronounced as "memur" or "lelur")

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Panda (may be pronounced as "danda")

Image retrieved from http://www.alleghenyfront.org/story/red-panda-ready-visitors-pittsburgh-zoo.

Snake (may be pronounced as "kake")

Image retrieved from http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/pictures/ig/zoo/rattlesnake.htm; photo credit Albrecht Powell.

Horse (may be pronounced as "sorse")

Image retrieved from http://boomthis.blogspot.com/2013/10/some-horses-gotta-run.html.

Dog (may be pronounced as "dod" or "gog")

Image retrieved from http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/prairie-dog/.

Cat (may be pronounced as "kak" or "tat")

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Rhino (may be pronounced as "nhino")

 

Image retrieved from http://intlrhinofoundation.wordpress.com/2013/06/07/cinco-de-rhino-revue/.

Tiger (may be pronounced as "titer" or "giger")

Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Mole (may be pronounced as "lole")

 Image retrieved from pittsburghzoo.org.

Tip: Please remember that a sound from the beginning of the word can influence a sound from the end of the word, and vice versa (and including middle sounds, too).

One, two and three syllable words to practice at the Pittsburgh zoo, and at home; Reading

Practicing production of words at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is fun and a great way to use speech and language in a real world setting.  But what do you do once you are at home?  To take things to the next level, I recommend reviewing the words with your child via books.  Many picture books are centered on animals, and you can find a book for just about any animal.  Choose the animal/book based on your child's interest or speech/language needs.  For example, if she is working on producing two syllable words, then read books on monkeys and pandas.  Have her say the word whenever she sees a picture of the animal.  If she is working on reading chapter books, then have her read about owls in the Harry Potter series (she can read sections aloud so that you can prompt her as appropriate).  If she needs practice on the /r/ sound, reference The Rainbow Fish.  Below is a list of words and books for children.  As always, please post below or e-mail me if you need assistance in meeting goals or creating activities.

One syllable words with associated books:

Fish: The Rainbow Fish
Seal: The Seals on the Bus
Cat: The Cat in the Hat
Dog: Clifford the Big Red Dog
Hen: The Little Red Hen
Shark: Shark in the Dark
Snake: The Snake Who Was Afraid of People
Horse: National Velvet
Mouse: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Bear: The Berenstain Bears series
Pig: The Amazing Bone
Fox: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Moose: If You Give a Moose a Muffin
Bat: Bats at the Beach
Deer: The Yearling
Ape: Evangeline Mudd and the Golden-Haired Apes of the Ikkinasti Jungle

Two syllable words with associated books:

Lion: The Lion King
Monkey: Curious George
Giraffe: Giraffes Can't Dance
Lemur: The Ako Series
Panda: Dinner at the Panda Palace
Rabbit: The Velveteen Rabbit
Camel: How the Camel Got its Hump
Llama: Llama Llama Red Pajama
Sea Horse: One Lonely Sea Horse
Owl: Harry Potter series
Turkey: Turkey Trouble
Stingray: Toys Come Home
Parrot: If You Were a Parrot
Peacock: Three Hens and a Peacock
Spider: Charlotte's Web
Penguin: Mr. Popper's Penguins
Reindeer: Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Tiger: Mr. Tiger Goes Wild

Three syllable words and associated books:

Kangaroo: What do you do with a kangaroo?
Porcupine: A Porcupine Named Fluffy
Elephant: Babar series
Flamingo: Mud City, A Flamingo Story
Koala: Koala Lou
Gorilla: Good Night, Gorilla

What's next for pgh-slp?

I am currently working on photographs and ideas from the following Pittsburgh locations:

 The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium

The National Aviary

The Phipps Conservatory (Pictured from left: Sister (a neuro intensive care nurse from MD), Dad (a retired public health professional from NY), Me!)

What Pittsburgh locations would you like to see?  What sorts of treatments are you interested in?  Post below!