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Supporting speech sounds
- 1-5 Years
- 5-11 Years
- Speech, language and communication
Children’s speech sounds take time to develop. Children learn speech sounds by hearing them used by the people around them. This allows them to listen to the sound and try to produce it the same way. Children have been tuning into the sounds around them since before they were born.
Speech sounds usually develop in a certain order, and it’s normal for children to make sounds simpler while they are learning.
Children are always trying their best to say the right sounds. If they make a mistake, it doesn’t mean they are being lazy.
Parents and carers can use this information at home to support their child. Education staff can also use this information with children in their school or setting.
Please try these ideas and advice before making a referral to the Speech and Language Therapy Service.
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Strategies to support speech sounds
Strategies to support speech sounds
- React to what the child says and not how they say it: Children may not know that they are mispronouncing a word.
- Repeat back to the child: Repeat the word back to the child so they can hear the correct way of saying it. This will give them an opportunity to hear the word and also show them that you have understood them. For example:, if a child says, “look a fiss”, the adult can say “that’s right it’s a fish”.
- Repeat the word a few times: This provides the child with opportunities to hear the correct pronunciation. Try not to over-emphasise the word as this can distort the sound(s).
- Avoid correcting the child’s speech or asking them to repeat back after you: This can draw their attention to errors and make them self-conscious about their talking.
- Speak slowly and clearly: This way the child hears good models of speech sounds throughout their day.
- Tell them if you have not understood: If you are unsure of what they have said then ask them to show you, encouraging them to point or gesture.
- Reduce background noise, such as the radio and TV.
Last reviewed: 24 November, 2025
