Why is homework is required? Sometimes parents are not sure how to do speech homework with their child effectively, and some families are simply so busy that speech homework feels like a chore, especially when kids are not thrilled about doing it. But speech homework doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Speech homework can actually be fun, and it doesn’t need to take long at all. Students can practice speech sounds during routine activities such as setting the table or going grocery shopping. They can also practice sounds during family time or while playing games. Reading to a sibling, putting on a play with siblings for family entertainment, or simply reading a magazine can all be activities where students can practice their speech sounds for homework credit. Also, sounds can also be practiced while completing other homework, such as reading activities.
Why assign homework? Students who complete their assigned speech homework on a regular basis tend to progress through therapy faster than those who don’t. In the long run, that means less missed classroom time. Research shows that children will retain their new speech skills longer if they practice for five to ten minutes a day, rather than 30 minutes at once a week.
Ideally, an SLP utilizes training and experience to find the right techniques that work for your child to help them produce a sound correctly. Once they are able to do so, it's just a matter of practice, lots and lots of practice. That's where speech homework and parents come in. Therapy time should be spent on teaching the student techniques to help them, provide minimal practice, monitor progress, and assign speech homework that could easily be completed at home.
Homework is simply practicing the new skill. Practice, practice, practice. That's what it takes to create new good habits that replace the old ones. Additionally, practice outside of the therapy room is crucial for carryover of skills to everyday life.
It's important to produce the correct sound while practicing. When you are practicing with your child, and they say a word incorrectly, be sure to tell them so. Say something like, “That wasn’t right. Please try it again.” Most children with speech sound disorders can't hear their own errors, so they need the adult to give them the feedback as to whether or not it was correct. However, if your child is consistently continuing to practice the incorrect sound, stop the activity and let me know right away so that we can decide how to adjust activities to get the correct sound production.
If you are still unsure about how to help your child with speech homework, please ask. Send a note, email or drop by my room and I will be happy to demonstrate how to practice with your student.
Why assign homework? Students who complete their assigned speech homework on a regular basis tend to progress through therapy faster than those who don’t. In the long run, that means less missed classroom time. Research shows that children will retain their new speech skills longer if they practice for five to ten minutes a day, rather than 30 minutes at once a week.
Ideally, an SLP utilizes training and experience to find the right techniques that work for your child to help them produce a sound correctly. Once they are able to do so, it's just a matter of practice, lots and lots of practice. That's where speech homework and parents come in. Therapy time should be spent on teaching the student techniques to help them, provide minimal practice, monitor progress, and assign speech homework that could easily be completed at home.
Homework is simply practicing the new skill. Practice, practice, practice. That's what it takes to create new good habits that replace the old ones. Additionally, practice outside of the therapy room is crucial for carryover of skills to everyday life.
It's important to produce the correct sound while practicing. When you are practicing with your child, and they say a word incorrectly, be sure to tell them so. Say something like, “That wasn’t right. Please try it again.” Most children with speech sound disorders can't hear their own errors, so they need the adult to give them the feedback as to whether or not it was correct. However, if your child is consistently continuing to practice the incorrect sound, stop the activity and let me know right away so that we can decide how to adjust activities to get the correct sound production.
If you are still unsure about how to help your child with speech homework, please ask. Send a note, email or drop by my room and I will be happy to demonstrate how to practice with your student.