This May, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (formerly Better Speech-Language and Hearing Month), offers a chance to celebrate the incredible work of SLPs (Speech-Language Pathologists) and the impact we have on individuals with communication disorders and differences. This year, however, I want to focus on something different: the power of representation in literature. I strongly believe it’s important to highlight inclusive characters that reflect the realities of those with communication disorders.

The Need for Diverse Characters:

As an SLP with over 24 years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of seeing yourself reflected in the world around you. Unfortunately, for children and adults with communication disorders, this representation is often lacking. Many books portray characters with communication challenges as one-dimensional figures defined solely by their stutter or inability to speak. These negative portrayals can leave individuals with disorders or differences feeling poorly about themselves and their struggles.

This National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, I felt compelled to contribute to a more inclusive narrative. That’s why I poured my experience and passion into writing a book that empowers authors to create characters with communication disorders who are genuine, relatable, and multifaceted.

Sparking Inclusive Storytelling:

The inspiration for “Unspoken Volumes” came from countless interactions with my clients. Over the years, I’ve been inspired by the brilliance, humor, and resilience of people grappling with various communication challenges. However, they aren’t simply defined by their communication disorders – they are artists, athletes, dreamers, and everything in between. These human beings deserve to see reflections of their complexities in the stories they cherish.

A Shocking Lack of Representation:

Consider these staggering statistics:

• 1 in 10: Number of children who are impacted by a communication disorder at some point during childhood.¹
• 2 million: Adults in the U.S. who currently are affected by aphasia alone.²
• 1%: Percentage of Americans who stutter.³

Despite these numbers, why are we not seeing a more statistically accurate representation in literature?

Tellingly, my personal reading experience reveals characters who are misrepresented or stereotypical, sometimes living in isolation due to a lack of exploration of treatment or alternative communication options. It’s a sadly common trope – the tragic silent protagonist, not limited to The Little Mermaid!

Beyond the Book: A Collaboration for Authenticity

Undoubtedly, my hope is that this book fosters a collaborative effort between SLPs and literary creators. By working together, we can ensure that characters with communication disorders are portrayed accurately and respectfully. The book delves into the vast spectrum of communication disorders, offering practical strategies for authors to portray those who struggle with communication difficulties or differences with empathy and hope.

This collaboration allows children and adults to not only see themselves reflected but also develop empathy and understanding for others who communicate differently.

A Shared Journey of Empowerment

While I’m excited to share this book with the world, the core message goes beyond promotion. This is about advocating for inclusive storytelling and the profound impact it has on people with communication disorders. National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is a time to celebrate our profession, but it’s also a time to reflect on how we can empower the next generation.

Without a doubt, this journey is about more than just a book – it’s about creating a world where every human feels seen, valued, and empowered by the stories they encounter. That means we have to stop hiding communication disorders, and fully explore them as much as we would any other personal challenge a character might face. We need more inclusive characters with communication disorders.

Join the Conversation!

Check out Bridging the Gap: An Empathy Challenge for SLPs, Educators, and Parents #Unspoken Challenge. Share with me your comments, thoughts, and concerns about this topic!

Interested in more? Sign up for a free Character Questionnaire for Authentic Representation.

• American Speech-Language Hearing Association
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Communication with People
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
• Mayo Clinic
• NIDCD Statistics

Here’s to the future!

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Sources

1. Black, LI; Vahratian, A; Hoffman, HJ (2015): Communication disorders and use of intervention services among children aged 3–17 years: United States, 2012. NCHS data brief. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. Jun:(205):1-8. ↩︎
2. National Aphasia Association. Aphasia FAQs. Accessed 2/6/2024. ↩︎
3. The Stuttering Foundation. FAQ. Accessed 4-15-2024 ↩︎

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Reaching Out to Our Community

First things first, let’s talk about reaching out to our community. Whether it’s through local schools, community centers, or even social media, there are tons of ways we can spread the word about what we do. Hosting workshops, giving talks, or even just setting up a booth at a local event can go a long way in raising awareness. Letting people know we’re here to help is invaluable. So many people don’t know about the wonderful things you do every day. This is your time to shine!

Providing a Variety of Resources

As speech-pathologists, we have a host of resources at our fingertips, and it’s up to us to share them with our community. From brochures and handouts to online guides and toolkits, there’s no shortage of ways we can support individuals and families affected by communication disorders. Even a list of links is infinitely helpful for those looking for more information! Let’s not forget about collaborating with other professionals and organizations, because this provides even more comprehensive care.

Educating Others on Disorders

Educating others about communication disorders is a big part of what we do. It’s super important in breaking down barriers and fostering understanding. Whether we’re giving a presentation at a local school or hosting a webinar for parents, every opportunity to spread knowledge and awareness is a step in the right direction. Plus, by empowering others with information, we’re helping them make informed decisions. Access to the support they need is crucial. The general public simply isn’t aware of all the options available!

Making a Difference in Media Representation

Last but not least, let’s talk about making a difference in media representation. From movies to TV shows, how communication disorders are portrayed in the media can have a big impact on how people perceive them. There’s nothing more frustrating to me than seeing communication impairments misrepresented!  By working with writers, filmmakers, and other media professionals, we can help ensure that these portrayals are accurate, respectful, and free from harmful stereotypes. It’s all about advocating for better representation. This helps give a voice to those who need it most.

In a nutshell, being a speech-pathologist isn’t just about helping individuals—it’s about being an active and engaged member of our community. By reaching out, providing resources, educating others, and advocating for better representation, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by communication disorders. So, let’s keep up the amazing work and continue being the superheroes our communities need!

If you’d like a jumpstart on educating your community on communication impairments, check out my BSHM packet on TPT!  It is 41 pages of SLP information in an easy to edit Google Slides format!

Keep rockin’ the world!

Links for more information: 

• American Speech-Language Hearing Association
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Communication with People
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
• Mayo Clinic
• NIDCD Statistics

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We Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are the communication ninjas of the world! We train tirelessly (okay, coffee breaks are essential) to empower people of all ages with the superpowers of speech and language. But our awesomeness extends beyond the therapy room.

Stories rule the digital world. They shape how we see each other, build empathy, and create a sense of belonging. Yet, characters with communication challenges like stuttering or aphasia often get stereotyped. That’s where the SLP Superhero Speech Squad comes in!

Introducing Unspoken Volumes: Your Guide to Writing Speech-tastic Characters!

Unspoken Volumes bridges the gap between SLPs and authors. It empowers writers to craft characters who are real, relatable, and complex individuals who defy stereotypes. But Unspoken Volumes isn’t just for SLPs!

• Educators: Gain insights to create inclusive learning environments and identify potential needs in students.
• Parents: Learn valuable strategies to support your child’s communication development at home.

Unspoken Volumes: Your SLP Utility Belt

• Writer Whisperer: Crack the code on writer challenges and prevent frustration!
• Expert Sidekick: Equip writers with clear info to create authentic characters, fostering empathy in readers.
• Collaboration is Key: Partner with writers through workshops, consultations, or book discussions.

Become a Champion for Speechtastic Stories!

This is about advocating for a future where stories celebrate inclusivity. Let’s ensure characters with communication challenges are finally seen, heard, and understood, and not used as a trope or a mechanic for pity.

• Join the Mission: Your Superhero Action Plan
• Connect with Writers: Offer presentations or discussions on communication disorders.
• Partner with Bookstores & Libraries: Host book discussions and cosplay events!
• Be a Writer’s Sidekick: Offer consultations or collaborations to slay communication kryptonite!

Embrace the chance to advocate beyond therapy and make a real difference! Imagine a world where stories reflect the realities of communication challenges, fostering empathy and creating a space where everyone feels seen and valued.

Ready to suit up? Learn more about Unspoken Volumes and how YOU can be a champion for inclusive storytelling!

#UnspokenChallenge: Empathy in Action!

This week, take the Empathy Challenge! Research a communication disorder and share a short post describing a situation from that person’s perspective.

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The spark of passion that ignites a love for teaching can flicker and fade when faced with relentless challenges. In Part 1, we explored the reasons why many dedicated educators stay despite the burnout and frustration. But simply acknowledging the problem isn’t enough. We need concrete solutions to create a system that empowers teachers, reignites their passion, and allows them to thrive. Let’s break the chains that hold them back. We must build a future where talented educators choose to stay and make a lasting impact.

Reimagine Retirement: Unlocking Mobility and Security

Teacher pensions are often cited as a reason educators stay put, even in the face of dissatisfaction. However, the current system can feel like a golden cage. Traditional pensions often lack portability, meaning the value accumulated is tied to a specific school district. This discourages teachers from seeking better opportunities elsewhere. They fear losing their hard-earned retirement savings. Solutions like portable pension plans or hybrid models would allow teachers to take their retirement security with them. This fosters greater mobility and career flexibility. It not only benefits teachers but also allows school districts to attract and retain top talent from a wider pool.

Multifaceted Degrees: Building Bridges Beyond the Classroom

Many teacher education programs focus primarily on pedagogy, leaving graduates inadequately prepared for a career change outside the classroom. This lack of transferable skills can feel like a dead end, trapping passionate educators in a system that no longer serves them. Universities and colleges can address this by offering multifaceted degrees. These programs would equip future educators with valuable skills beyond lesson planning and classroom management. Incorporating courses in project management, data analysis, communication, and educational technology would make teacher graduates valuable assets not only in the classroom but also in other industries. This flexibility provides teachers with a safety net. It empowers them to pursue opportunities outside education, if needed, while also enriching their skillset and making them potentially more effective educators.

Empowering Teachers: Reigniting Passion Through Autonomy

Micromanagement, standardized testing, and inflexible curriculums can stifle a teacher’s creativity and autonomy. This leads to a feeling of powerlessness and a disconnect from the core reason they entered the profession – to inspire and nurture young minds. Teacher autonomy is essential in fostering a positive learning environment.¹ 

Teacher retention thrives in environments that nurture their ability to achieve success with students. This means a redesign of schools to prioritize strong relationships between educators, students, and families. Additionally, schools need to personalize education, tailoring learning experiences to individual student needs and learning styles. By fostering these elements, schools can create environments where both teachers and students flourish.²

Imagine a teacher who is passionate about environmental science being given the freedom to create a project-based learning experience. This experience could incorporate field trips, guest speakers, and hands-on activities. Similarly, an English teacher, upon discovering the majority of his class loves Star Wars, could create a curriculum around this shared passion. This autonomy allows teachers to innovate and engage students on a deeper level. Ultimately, they find joy in the teaching process. Furthermore, it fosters a sense of professionalism and trust. This leads to a more fulfilling work experience.

Alternative Advancement Paths: Leading from Within

The traditional career path in education often leads from teacher to administrator. However, this path may not appeal to every passionate educator. Some crave the connection with students and the magic of the classroom environment but lack the desire to move into a purely administrative role. Here’s where alternative advancement paths can be game-changers. Creating leadership opportunities within classrooms, such as lead teacher positions, curriculum specialist roles, or mentor programs, allows experienced and passionate educators to take on increased responsibility while staying connected to their core passion – teaching. These roles can involve mentoring new teachers, developing and leading professional development sessions, or specializing in specific curriculum areas. This system fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing. It allows educators to leverage their experience in ways that benefit their colleagues and students.

Investing in Teacher Happiness: A Ripple Effect on Student Success

Research shows a direct correlation between teacher well-being and student achievement.³ Stressed, burnt-out teachers simply cannot be as effective as those who feel supported and valued. Investing in teacher well-being is not just the right thing to do – it’s a smart investment in education as a whole.

Schools can prioritize teacher well-being by providing resources for stress management and mental health support. Flexible work arrangements, clear communication channels with administrators, and opportunities for professional development can all contribute to a more positive and supportive work environment. When teachers feel valued, supported, and empowered, this translates into a more engaging learning environment for students. Ultimately, this leads to better academic outcomes.

A Call to Action: Building a Brighter Future Together

The future of education rests on the shoulders of our teachers. Let’s break the chains that hold them back and build a system that fosters their passion and empowers their expertise. We must celebrate their dedication. Here’s what you can do to be a part of the solution:

• Share This Post: Let your friends, family, and colleagues know about the challenges and solutions facing teachers.
• Start a Conversation: Talk to your local school board members about the importance of supporting educators.
• Advocate for Change: Contact your state representatives and voice your support for policies that prioritize teacher well-being, professional development, and curriculum autonomy.
• Support Teacher Organizations: Get involved with organizations that advocate for teachers’ rights and well-being.
• Show Your Appreciation: Let your teachers know how much you value their hard work! A simple thank you or a note of appreciation can go a long way. It is valued more than flowers or candy.

By working together, we can create a system that empowers our educators. This allows them to make a lasting impact on the lives of their students. Imagine a future where classrooms are filled with passionate, engaged teachers who feel valued and supported. This is the future we can create, together.

Additionally, here are some resources for further exploration:

The National Education Association (NEA): https://www.nea.org/
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT): https://www.aft.org/
The National Commission on Teacher Certification (NCTC): https://www.nctq.org/
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS): https://www.nbpts.org/certification/standards/

Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below. What solutions would you propose to empower our teachers and ensure their well-being?

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1. Scarpino, C., Kilpatrick, C., & Santiago, P. (2022). Teacher voice and autonomy (OECD Education Working Papers No. 273). OECD Publishing. https://one.oecd.org/document/EDU/WKP(2022)14/en/pdf ↩︎
2. Source: Darling-Hammond, L., DiNapoli, M., Jr., & Kini, T. (2023). The federal role in ending teacher shortages. Learning Policy Institute.  https://doi.org/10.54300/649.892 ↩︎
3. Dreer, B. (2023). On the outcomes of teacher wellbeing: A systematic review of research. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, Article 1205179. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1205179 ↩︎

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Have you ever watched a student struggling to fit into a round-peg classroom? The traditional education system often pushes a “one-size-fits-all” approach, relying on labels like “Autism,” “ADHD,” or “learning disabled” to categorize students. But what if we tossed those labels aside and focused instead on the vast and unique learning styles that each student possesses? Imagine the potential we could unlock!

The Limitations of Labels

Labels can be restrictive. They fail to capture the individual strengths and challenges of each student. A student might excel in creative writing but struggle with math, regardless of any learning disability classifications. These labels, including “Autism” or “Language Disorder,” can become self-fulfilling prophecies, hindering student confidence and growth. The focus should be on the student as a person, not a diagnosis.

Embracing the Spectrum of Learning Styles

Instead of rigid categories, let’s embrace the spectrum of learning styles that exists within ALL students. Some students are visual learners, thriving on colorful charts, diagrams, and graphic organizers. Auditory learners flourish with captivating lectures, podcasts, and group discussions. Kinesthetic learners excel with hands-on activities, experiments, and role-playing exercises. Most students won’t fall neatly into one category; they might possess a blend of these styles with varying strengths in each area.

Research and the Learning Styles Connection

The concept of learning styles and its connection to student achievement has been explored in educational research. A study by Dunn and Dunn (1993) found a positive correlation between students’ preferred learning styles and their academic performance. Students who received instruction tailored to their learning styles showed better results compared to those who did not. ¹

While learning styles can offer insights into student preferences, cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham argues that they shouldn’t be the sole focus². The article argues that scientific evidence does not support learning styles as they are currently utilized. People do differ in their abilities and interests, but these are not the same as learning styles.

Effective teaching methods that cater to individual students are crucial. The true power lies in individualized learning, which moves beyond labels and focuses on understanding each student’s unique strengths and weaknesses. This approach unlocks student potential by creating a dynamic learning environment that caters to their individual needs and preferences.

The Science of Multimodal Learning

So, how can we create effective instruction that caters to a diverse range of learning styles? Research suggests that the key lies in multimodal learning. This approach involves presenting information through multiple channels (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) to enhance learning outcomes.

Richard Mayer’s “Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning” explains that our brains process information more effectively when it’s presented through different modalities. For example, combining a lecture with visuals like diagrams or animations can solidify understanding for both auditory and visual learners, while incorporating elements of social interaction can benefit all students.³

By incorporating a variety of instructional methods, we can engage all learners and cater to their preferred styles. This might involve:

• Visual Aids: Charts, diagrams, infographics, and videos can enhance understanding for visual learners.
• Auditory Activities: Lectures, discussions, podcasts, and audiobooks can benefit auditory learners.
• Kinesthetic Learning: Hands-on activities, simulations, experiments, and role-playing can solidify concepts for kinesthetic learners.
• Social Interaction: Incorporating elements of social interaction and clear communication can benefit all students, but especially those who might experience social anxieties or need extra social practice. This could involve providing clear expectations with visual supports, offering opportunities for peer collaboration, and celebrating successes in social settings.

It’s important to remember however, that almost all students benefit from a variety of modalities!

Meeting Individual Needs, Not Labels

Forget the labels! Instead of categorizing students based on diagnoses, let’s focus on understanding their individual strengths, challenges, and preferred learning styles. Every student is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. By truly meeting each child where they are, we can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

The Power of Differentiation

Differentiation is a powerful teaching strategy that tailors instruction to meet individual needs, regardless of labels. This might involve providing differentiated materials (e.g., graphic organizers for visual learners, audiobooks for auditory learners), offering tiered assignments with varying levels of complexity, or creating flexible learning environments that allow students for independent or collaborative work based on their preferences.

The beauty lies in the fact that differentiation isn’t just for students who excel or struggle. The article by Tomlinson and McTighe also suggests that even students who fall into the category of “average” learners can thrive in an environment that caters to their individual strengths and weaknesses. 

Imagine the potential that could be unlocked if every student, regardless of labels, received the kind of individualized instruction typically reserved for those on the perceived extremes of the learning spectrum!⁴

Unlocking Potential for ALL Learners

The beauty lies in the fact that many accommodations designed for students with specific needs can
benefit ALL learners. Imagine a classroom where everyone thrives with:

Flexible Timelines

Deadlines can be stressful. Offering flexible timelines allows for deeper understanding and reduces anxiety for all students, including those who might not be considered academically challenged but could benefit from a less rigid pace.

Varied Instructional Modes

A diverse toolbox of teaching methods keeps everyone engaged and caters to different learning styles. “Average” students, who might possess a blend of learning styles, can particularly benefit from this variety.

Extra Support

Providing individualized support, whether it’s one-on-one time, small group instruction, or access to additional resources, empowers students and fosters confidence. This is not just for students who are struggling; even those perceived as “average” learners can benefit from additional support to push their understanding to the next level.

Positive Learning Environment

A supportive and encouraging classroom environment is crucial for all students. This means fostering a climate of respect, celebrating individual strengths, and offering opportunities for students to learn from each other.

Water The Flowers You Have

Forget the labels and meet students where they are. By focusing on their individual strengths and learning styles, we can create a truly inclusive learning environment. Embrace the spectrum of learning styles and unlock the true potential within every single student.

Here are some ways to put these ideas into action!

Informal Assessments

Conduct informal assessments throughout the year to gauge student preferences. This could involve simple observations, surveys, or student self-evaluations on how they learn best.

Flexible Learning Stations

Create learning stations around the classroom that cater to different learning styles. One station could have manipulatives and hands-on activities for kinesthetic learners, another might have informational videos and audiobooks for auditory learners, and a third could be filled with charts and graphic organizers for visual learners. Students can rotate through these stations independently or in small groups.

Choice Boards

Offer students choice in how they demonstrate their understanding. This could involve options for creating presentations, writing essays, building models, or recording podcasts.

Technology Integration

Technology can be a powerful tool for differentiation. There are many online resources, apps, and digital tools that cater to different learning styles and can provide specific support for students who might benefit from additional resources.

Add Music

Ever had an ear worm that just won’t go away? It rarely happens with conversational phrases, but that jingle for the AC company is stuck fast. Teaching difficult subjects as a jingle makes the lesson more enjoyable and adds another modality for learning.

Remember, creating a truly inclusive learning environment is an ongoing process. By being flexible, creative, and responsive to student needs, we can unlock the potential within each and every learner.

Rethinking School Infrastructure for Individualized Learning

The beautiful vision of a learning environment that caters to individual needs might necessitate some changes in how our schools operate. Let’s explore some ways we can adapt our educational infrastructure:

Moving Beyond the Cookie-Cutter Curriculum

Rigid, one-size-fits-all curriculums limit the potential for differentiation. We need to embrace flexible learning models that allow teachers to tailor instruction to the specific needs and interests of their students. Remember, not all students will go on to college, and that’s okay!

Rethinking Special Education

The current system of special education often relies on categories and labels to determine eligibility for support. However, these labels can sometimes restrict access to services for students who might benefit from them.

Instead, we can build a system that recognizes and celebrates individual differences in learning styles and abilities. This approach would provide targeted support for all learners, regardless of labels, ensuring they receive the resources they need to thrive.

Smaller Class Sizes

Smaller classrooms can provide teachers with the space and flexibility to offer more individualized support and create differentiated learning experiences.

Matching Learning Styles

While not always feasible, exploring innovative approaches like matching teachers and students based on compatible teaching and learning styles could create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Flexible Learning Spaces

The traditional classroom layout might not be ideal for diverse learning styles. Redesigning classrooms to incorporate flexible learning spaces with areas for quiet reflection, group collaboration, hands-on activities, and visual displays can cater to a wider range of needs.

Professional Development for Differentiation

Teachers play a pivotal role in implementing individualized learning strategies. Investing in professional development opportunities to enhance differentiation skills will empower teachers to effectively cater to the unique needs of each student.

Use of technology

By strategically integrating technology like adaptive learning programs and online resources, teachers can personalize instruction for each student while reducing their workload and allowing them to focus on more individualized support.

By making these adjustments, we can create school environments that are truly supportive of individualized learning and empower all students to reach their full potential.

Individualized learning extends beyond traditional academic subjects

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a crucial role in identifying and addressing communication challenges. By collaborating with teachers and incorporating differentiated strategies, SLPs can help students of all abilities reach their full potential in both communication and academic domains.

We hope this blog post empowers you to become a champion for individualized learning for all students in your school community – let’s ditch the labels and unlock student potential together!  

Want to hear more suggestions for transforming our educational system? Read Breaking the Chains – Solutions to Empower Our Teachers.

What are your thoughts on individualized learning and moving beyond labels in the classroom? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below!

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1. Dunn, R., Griggs, S. A., Olson, J., Beasley, M., & Gorman, B. S. (1995). A Meta-Analytic Validation of the Dunn and Dunn Model of Learning-Style Preferences. The Journal of Educational Research, 88(6), 353–362. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.1995.9941181. ↩︎
2. Willingham, D. Learning Styles FAQ. Retrieved 7-7-25, from http://www.danielwillingham.com/learning-styles-faq.html. ↩︎
3. Mayer, R. E. (2014). Cognitive theory of multimedia learning. In R. E. Mayer (Ed.), The Cambridge handbook of multimedia learning (2nd ed., pp. 43–71). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139547369.005. ↩︎
4. Tomlinson, C. A., & McTighe, J. (2006). Integrating differentiated instruction & understanding by design : connecting content and kids. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10110318. ↩︎

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Teaching children how speech sounds are made is a great instructional activity for both the therapy room and the classroom!  Phoneme categorization is a highly effective activity for developing strong phonological awareness skills in young learners.

By sorting phonemes based on their place of articulation (where the sound is made), manner of articulation (how the sound is made), and voicing (whether the vocal cords vibrate), children gain a deeper understanding of how sounds are produced.  This can aid early learning as it allows children to make connections and organization of the phonemes.

This knowledge is crucial!

Improved Reading and Spelling

Strong phonological awareness is a foundational skill for reading and spelling. By understanding how sounds are created and how they relate to each other, children can more easily decode words, sound out unfamiliar words, and spell accurately.

For Example:

Why do some “long u” words also have a “y” sound in front?  The process of “yod-dropping”, or losing the “y” sound, in American English, generally occurs when the “ū” following an alveolar sound “t,d,n,l,s,z”.  Labials or velars have retained the original “yū” pronunciation, as well as words beginning with a “ū”.  There are exceptions; however, many of those can be traced back to the origin language, such as “puma”, or dialectal differences.

Enhanced Speech Clarity & Pronunciation

Sorting phonemes helps children become more aware of the subtle differences between sounds, which can improve their speech clarity and articulation.

Early Identification of Speech-Sound Disorders

The phoneme sorting activity can help teachers and SLPs identify children who may be experiencing difficulties with speech sound production.

I’ve created a new TPT Easel Activity to help you!  This resource includes 3 phoneme sorting pages, and a full color oral anatomy image, with labels!

Teaching Tips for Phoneme Categorization

• Prior Knowledge: Before introducing phoneme sorting, review letters and their corresponding sounds. Emphasize saying each phoneme in isolation (e.g., /p/ for “p,” not “puh”).
• Watch videos of speech sounds, such as G – How to Make G Sound
• Multi-sensory Learning:
  • Visual: Use mirrors or self-view cameras to allow children to observe their own mouth movements.
  • Kinesthetic: Encourage children to touch their lips, teeth, and tongue as they learn about the different places of articulation.
  • Auditory: repeat the sound multiple times.
  • Tactile: Have children feel the air movement with their hands or light objects (tissues, feathers) when exploring manner of articulation (e.g., stops, fricatives).
• Modeling: Demonstrate the sorting process yourself, thinking aloud as you categorize sounds.
• Guided Practice: Go through each sort together as a class, discussing the characteristics of each phoneme.
• Differentiation: Start with a small set of sounds for younger children or those who are struggling. Gradually increase the complexity.
• Early Intervention: In early learning classrooms, integrate phoneme sorting with letter and sound instruction, emphasizing how sounds are produced.

Extension Activity Ideas:

• Watch how the mouth works in real-time while someone is speaking! It is constantly making fine-tuned movements to produce recognizable speech.
  • This is a great video that shows an MRI of a person speaking and explains some of the sounds: An Introduction to the Vocal Organs – with MRI video
• Explore vowel production: Discuss the places of vowel production (front, middle, back) within the oral cavity. While these sounds involve less physical contact with the mouth, understanding their placement is crucial for comprehensive phoneme awareness.
  • Interact with the Chart | Color Vowel

• Anatomy of the speech system: In addition to teaching oral anatomy, teach students about the anatomy of the entire speech system, from lungs to the nose. This can be effectively integrated into a unit on the respiratory system.
• Expand Phonemic Awareness: Integrate place, manner, and voicing instruction with other essential phonemic awareness skills such as:
  • Blending: Combining phonemes to form words.
  • Segmenting: Breaking words down into individual phonemes.
  • Rhyming: Identifying and generating rhyming words.
  • Alliteration: Recognizing and producing words that begin with the same sound (not letter)

Connect Phoneme Categorization to Reading & Writing:

Analyze Pronunciation

Introduce the IPA

Introduce the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) or dictionary-style phonetic symbols alongside graphemes (letters) and phonemes. This helps students understand the relationship between sounds and their written representations. (The image to the right states “You wish you could read this message!”)

Talk About Production

When breaking down phonemes, discuss the oral movements involved in their production. Explore words with unexpected pronunciations, such as “truck” (often pronounced with a /chr/ sound), “Wednesday,” “library” (/laɪbɝi/), “doubt,” or “knight”.

Explain how sounds influence each other within words

For instance, in “butter,” the /t/ sound is often influenced by the surrounding vowels, resulting in a reduced pronunciation (/bʌdɚ/ or /buhder/). Discuss how the voicing of the plural “-s” changes depending on the preceding consonant.

• See my article: Everyday Phonological Processes & Their Impact in the Classroom
• 3.2: Assimilation and Dissimilation – Social Sci LibreTexts

Integrate with Other Language Concepts:

Spelling

Connect phoneme sorting to spelling instruction by exploring spelling rules, guidelines, and the impact of etymology on spelling.

• Spelling Rules & Guidelines
• Spelling: Instructional Guidelines
• Basics: Spelling | Reading Rockets

Etymology

Utilize resources like Etymonline to investigate word origins and their influence on spelling.

• See my article: The Importance of Etymology in the Classroom
  • Etymology
  • The Impact of English Word Origins on Modern Spelling – Lucky Little Learners
  • Etymonline – online etymology dictionary (shows ads)

Morphology

Explore how morphemes (meaningful units within words like affixes) affect pronunciation and spelling.

• Morpheme Mapper – Phonics & Stuff

Collaboration

Teachers and SLPs can collaborate on this! Consider guest teaching or co-facilitate the activity. Both SLPs and teachers provide valuable insights into student needs and offer specific strategies for addressing individual challenges.

Other resources on Phoneme Categorization:

• Place Manner Voice Chart | The Speech Guide
• Understanding Consonant and Vowel Phonemes in English
• Rethinking Spelling Instruction — Reading Rev
• Word Mapper – Phonics & Stuff – phoneme to grapheme tool
• Teaching Tools – Phonics & Stuff – includes word chain builders, phonemic manipulation tool, and sentence generator. There are games and a worksheet creator on other tabs. Some features require a free account, and others require a subscription.

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