On Quicksand, Ch.1
A couple of days ago, I worked with the kindergarten group in my A+ program. During homework time I noticed that a girl had trouble pronouncing the letter "k". I can't remember which word caught my ears, however every word I asked her to pronounce with a "k", came out with /t/. Since she's been in A+, she has spoken with one of those voices that sound too cute to correct. Besides, I wasn't even sure what was making her voice sound the way it did. My assumption was she was young and it's a stage all children go through at that age.
So, I tried to help by having her practice the /k/ sound. Let me tell you it has been a tough challenge. Each time we tried, the answer was the same, /t/. As cute as it was, I got frustrated because most would think including myself that pronouncing the letter "k" is as easy as brushing your teeth. Boy, was I wrong. Now that I know she struggles, I try to practice with her as often as possible. The only thing is I'm not even sure what to do. I've done sounding out the "k" and trying out new words. (What if my entire class has this problem??) The obvious answer is to include more than the one/two approaches that I've tried. Though I'm not in a classroom, it would be great to know with confidence what to do in this situation.
So, I tried to help by having her practice the /k/ sound. Let me tell you it has been a tough challenge. Each time we tried, the answer was the same, /t/. As cute as it was, I got frustrated because most would think including myself that pronouncing the letter "k" is as easy as brushing your teeth. Boy, was I wrong. Now that I know she struggles, I try to practice with her as often as possible. The only thing is I'm not even sure what to do. I've done sounding out the "k" and trying out new words. (What if my entire class has this problem??) The obvious answer is to include more than the one/two approaches that I've tried. Though I'm not in a classroom, it would be great to know with confidence what to do in this situation.
posted by Randall | 1:45 PM
2 Comments:
Randall,
This sounds like a job for a speech therapist. Sounds made in the front of the mouth (/t/, /p/, /d/)are easier than sounds produced from the back of the mouth (/k/, /g/). Therapists usually keep the front of the mouth occupied (biting a tongue depressor, for example) while the child attempts to make the sound from the back of the mouth.
Carol is right, Randall. Excellent advice. It would be a good experience for you to call a speech therapist and ask her for guidance in this situation. The fact that you cared enough to notice, and to attempt to help puts you in a category of someone who is exemplifying the UH COE's dispositions about being caring. I wouldn't make any other interventions with this child in terms of her speech patterns until you consult with a speech therapist. But it would be great if you continue to interact with her re: everything else. I am sure that she enjoys and benefits much from your support.
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