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Phonics teaches a child which letters make which sounds, so they can read. It is not a treatment for speech delay. A child with a speech delay should be checked by a speech-language pathologist, who can find out what is behind it and help. Playing with sounds and reading aloud together are still good for a child who talks late, and they can go alongside speech help.
Speech is how we say sounds and words. Reading uses the sounds of words too, so children who have trouble with speech sounds can sometimes find early reading harder.
But phonics practice is made for reading. It does not replace the help a speech-language pathologist gives.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association explains that speech-language pathologists check how children say sounds, understand words and use language, and help when there is a delay or disorder.
If you are worried about your child's speech, ask your child's doctor or the school. Early help is best.
Talk with your child a lot. Name things, describe what you do, and give your child time to answer. Read aloud every day and talk about the pictures.
Sound games are good too: what sound does sun start with, which words rhyme. Keep them light and fun, and follow what the speech-language pathologist suggests.
Our free checks and plans help with early reading steps, like hearing sounds in words and letter sounds. They do not test or treat speech.
If your child's speech is hard to understand, start with the speech-language pathologist, and use reading practice alongside.
Practice this in the free reading appReading games your child can play on a phone, tablet or computer. Every word can be sounded out. No sign-up.Open the app
Ask your child's doctor or school about a speech check.
Talk with your child a lot, and wait for answers.
Read aloud every day.
Play simple sound and rhyme games.
Follow the speech-language pathologist's advice at home.
Listen and Say the WordYou say the sounds slowly, your child says the whole word. No letters to look at, so it trains the ear first.Play free
Build the WordYour child hears a word and taps the letter tiles in the right order to build it.Play free
Read the WordOne short word at a time, such as sat, pin or dog. Every word uses only the sounds of the level you choose.Play freeShort a words worksheets, CVC word family practice.
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CVC cut and paste worksheets for beginning, middle and ending sounds.
Get the free pages $3
All 5 read and match level worksheet packs in one download.
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All 7 letter sounds level worksheet packs in one download.
See insideNo. Phonics is for reading. A speech-language pathologist is the right person to help with speech.
It can make early reading harder for some children, but not for all. Early speech help and good reading teaching both matter.
Picture cards can be a nice way to name things together. Ask the speech-language pathologist which words and sounds to practice.
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