Using the Speech Sound Ladder

The speech sound ladder is a visual representation of the step progression needed to practice and make progress with speech sound errors. Let's learn the best way to use this information!

How the Ladder Works

Start with the lowest level your child is able to produce a sound. Let's take the "s" sound for an example with all the levels.

1. Sound Awareness: The ability to hear, notice, and recognize speech sounds in words is an important first step. Before children can clearly say a sound, they first need to learn how the sound “sounds” when other people use it. Listening games, sound hunts, and playful practice help children begin tuning in to the sounds they hear every day.

2. Isolated sound: The child practices producing the target sound on its own. Your child may need cues such as "blow the air", make a snake sound", "tongue behind the teeth or "don't let your tongue pop out", smile or "put your teeth together". Using a mirror at this stage can be very helpful!

3. Syllable Level: The child combines the target sound with different vowels (e.g., "sa," "see," "so").

4. Word Level: The child uses the target sound in words, starting with initial sounds (e.g., "sun," "seven"). Move to end of words (e.g., "us", "house", "mice") when your child is improving with beginning sounds.

5. Phrase Level: The child uses the target sound in short phrases (e.g., "see animals," "seven cookies", "I sing", "My sock").

6. Sentence Level: The child uses the target sound in progressively longer sentences (e.g., "I see the bus") and progress to sentences with more than one /s/ word (e.g. "Sally likes to sit in the sun").

7. Multiple sentences or reading: Use the /s/ sound in longer or multiple sentences. If the child is reading, let them read to you with a target of producing /s/ words consistently.

8. Conversational Speech: The ultimate goal is to see the child consistently and accurately use the sound in everyday conversation or their "automatic speech". Children should be able to self-correct and hear their errors.

How do you know when it is time to progress to the next level?

Research shows when a child reaches at least 75% accuracy, they can maintain and continue to develop their skills. Make sure they are consistent and can maintain this percent of accuracy over a few consecutive days.

Karen Taylor, M.S., CCC-SLP, CAS

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder, Universal Speech Strategies

"Helping parents and professionals build communication through practical, evidence-based strategies."