The traditional sequence of articulation therapy follows a tried and true hierarchy of levels of speech sound production, starting with isolation and syllable level and advancing all the way up to structured conversation and finally spontaneous speech.
The Importance of Randomized Practice
A common frustrating occurrence can be when kids have been flying along each level and then can’t quite seem to get those last stages of generalization so that they can finally reach that bittersweet milestone of graduating from therapy.
Understanding Block Practice
Take a look at the practice stimuli kids are commonly presented with, and you may find the culprit is a lack of randomized practice opportunities. Articulation therapy sessions are frequently set up to allow for blocked sequences of practice.
Benefits of Randomized Sequencing Practice
Randomized sequencing practice occurs when each new word stimuli in a given session differs with respect to whether the target sound is included, and perhaps which word position it appears in.
Implementing Randomized Practice
So, when arranging word lists for articulation therapy, consider throwing in some randomized practice as well. Typically, this would fall into the hierarchy following mastery of word level block practice targeting the sound in error.
Using Verboso for Randomized Practice
At Verboso, we’ve made it easy for therapists to customize a practice session to incorporate randomized practice by adding multiple sounds and positions to the same session in our speech games.
Conclusion
Just add multiple targets and hit the “shuffle” button at the bottom of the screen when selecting practice stimuli and you’ll be able to track how kids’ performance changes with this more complicated task.