Speech Sound Development

First Words Ottawa & Renfrew County • March 21, 2020

Speech Sound Development

Speech sounds develop gradually - from birth to a child’s seventh or eighth year. It is best to think about sound development in terms of age ranges rather than specific ages. As a parent, you should be better able to understand your child as he gets older and his ability to use a sound correctly improves.

Remember, even if your child is able to make the sound in a word, he may not yet be able to use it in
sentences or in conversation.


SPEECH SOUND DEVELOPMENT

Early sounds: before 3 years of age (is understood 40 to 60% of the time)
p, b, m, w, h, t, d, n

Appear between 3 and 3 ½ years of age (is understood 60 to 80% of the time)
k, g, y, ng, f, s, z

Appear after 4 years of age (is understood 80 to 100% of the time)
sh, j, ch, l

Appear after 5 years of age (is understood 100% of the time)
r, th, v


EARLY SOUND MILESTONES

By 12 months, babies should:
  • Babble using different syllables (baba; mada);
  • Use vowels AND consonants to babble and make up words (5-6 different sounds);
  • Use 3 to 5 single words.

STRATEGIES TO HELP YOUR CHILD
  • Speak clearly. Repeat sounds, words and sentences that your child says.
  • Encourage him to watch your mouth by being face-to-face.
  • Make silly sounds with your baby (e.g., .,choo-choo, animal sounds).
  • Use nursery rhymes and songs.
  • Ask her to show you when you don’t understand.
  • Repeat what he has said. This helps him know that you understood and are listening

Questions?
Call Ottawa Public Health
613-580-6744 or 613-PARENTS



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All Rights Reserved | First Words Ottawa & Renfrew County, a program of PQCHC

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