As a practitioner in the field of speech-language pathology, continuous professional development is essential to stay abreast of the latest research and best practices. One pivotal resource that can enhance your skills is the research presented in "Building Language: Word Sounds" (1998) by Robyn Dower and Jan Mackey. This comprehensive manual is designed to help practitioners improve the recognition and production of speech sounds and letters within words, targeting various populations, including adults with dysphasia, students with language/literacy deficits, and English as a Second Language (ESL) learners.
The manual is structured into four sections, each focusing on different aspects of language and speech sound development:
- Hear the Difference: This section requires learners to discriminate minimal pairs, focusing on initial and final consonants, voiced vs. voiceless consonants, and initial consonant blends. This activity is fundamental in enhancing auditory discrimination skills.
- The Shape of Words: Learners must choose the printed word that matches a given picture. This exercise helps in associating visual and auditory cues, crucial for reading development.
- Sounds and Letters: Using printed minimal pair stimuli, learners must choose the correct word to complete a phrase or sentence. This section integrates phonological awareness with literacy skills.
- Spell the Rhyme: Learners are tasked with finding or naming rhyming words, which may follow regular or irregular spelling patterns. This activity supports phonemic awareness and spelling proficiency.
To effectively implement the outcomes of this research in your practice, consider the following strategies:
- Incorporate Varied Activities: Use the structured activities from the manual to create a diverse and engaging therapy plan. This will cater to different learning styles and keep the sessions dynamic.
- Systematic Progression: Follow the graded complexity of the activities as outlined in the manual. Start with simpler tasks and gradually move to more complex ones to ensure steady progress.
- Engage Supportive Personnel: The manual's clear instructions and photocopiable worksheets make it an excellent resource for teacher assistants and parents. Encourage their involvement to provide additional practice outside therapy sessions.
- Focus on Auditory and Visual Cues: Emphasize the importance of both auditory discrimination and visual pattern recognition. Activities like "Hear the Difference" and "The Shape of Words" are particularly effective in this regard.
Encouraging further research and staying updated with new findings can significantly enhance your practice. Regularly attending conferences, reading relevant publications, and participating in webinars can provide new insights and techniques that can be integrated into your therapy sessions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Building Language: Word Sounds (1998).
