ohhhhh "K"!

I have a confession. This is my number one favorite sound to teach kids. Sometimes I even write goals for this sound even if the kid doesn't need it (no, I'm kidding, that would be unethical!).

This is the sound that we all think of when we think "k"! But, "c" also likes to pose as a /k/ sometimes in words like 'cat' and 'cup', etc... So, just know that, as I am talking about the /k/ sound, I'm referring to those "c" words as well.

Here we go!

This sound is one of the most common 'errors' for children between the ages of 18 months-3 years ( I say 'error' a little tongue-in-cheek there because it's totally normal before the age of three). The reason being is that most children use a /t/ or a /d/ sound INSTEAD of the /k/ sound during young stages of learning language. I won't go into why...trust me, they just do. If you think about it, I'm sure you've heard an 18 month old refer to a cup as a "tup"; or, call a cat a "tat". I've always regretted not starting a quote book when I worked in the preschools. On pajama day, one young lady rushed up to me and proudly exclaimed, "Loot at my hello titty pajamas!". You can figure it out.

oKay, let's dig into the physiology. Just as we talked about with the /sh/ sound, /k/ also has a sound that is made the exact same way in the mouth, /g/. The difference is that /k/ does not make your vocal cords vibrate, and /g/ does! Go ahead, test them out....say /k/, now say /g/ (just the sounds not the letter names).

Feel where your tongue is for these sounds. Your tongue quickly touches the back part of the roof of your mouth. Way back by your throat. And, notice which part of your tongue touches (tip or back). The back! So the back of your tongue(or the blade) touches the back of your upper roof (or palate).

The Steps of teaching a child:

#1 Always remember to reiterate what the child is trying to say, the correct way. "Yes, you want a KEY".  Never imitate the incorrect way unless you are trying to get them to hear the difference. (See #2). This is the only step recommended for children under three years.

#2 Make sure the child can 'hear' the difference of what they are saying vs. what you are trying to get them to say. For example, if the child says "tea" instead of "key", ask the child "did you say 'tea'? If they say "no", that means they can hear the difference and they are probably ready to learn the /k/ sound.

#3 Explain the above physiology in "kid" terms. If you really want to get fancy, bust out a diagram of the mouth for them:)

#4 Open your mouth wide and have them watch your tongue "scraping" the back of your mouth. (some people call it the "tongue scraper sound" for that very reason). Next, have them try to imitate you with a mirror.

#5 If the child needs even more support, with a gloved hand and a tongue depressor (or gloved finger if you are brave:), gently hold down on the tip of the child's tongue. Since the natural tendency is for the child to put the tongue tip up to make the /t/ sound; holding it down typically forces the back of the tongue upward. Exactly where we want it to be. 9/10 times this strategy works.

#6 If the tongue depressor didn't work and the child is still forcing the tip of the tongue upward, hold off and try it again another day. They just aren't quite ready yet. You should never push to the point where they feel unsuccessful. If you feel you may have pushed too far, have them practice a sound that you know they can say and praise them for doing it correctly:)

#7 Positive reinforcement is key. Using phrases like, "oooo, that was really close", or , "I can tell you are working really hard", " yes, that was exactly right; did you hear it?!".

#8 Reinforce yourself with chocolate, icecream, a nap...whatever it takes, 'cause you just did some awesome work too!:)

*Note: I would not recommend working on this sound before the age of three years. At any earlier age it is developmentally appropriate for the child to substitute the /t/ sound for the /k/.

Best of luck. As always, if you have any questions or comments feel free to ask....I'm not going anywhere:)

Sarahv