Tips for Making the /s/and /z/Sounds in Speech Therapy
As speech therapists, we encounter various challenges when helping children achieve correct articulation of specific sounds. The /s/ and /z/ sounds are particularly tricky, with errors ranging from lisps to phonological processes like stopping.
HOW DO YOU MAKE AN /S/ and /Z/?
As SLP’s we know this, but here’s a review and a simple way to explain it:
Understanding Correct Tongue, Lip, and Jaw Positioning:
The lateral sides of the tongue should be elevated and touching the sides of the upper top teeth, specifically the upper molars. This positioning creates a narrow passage for the airflow.
Funnel-like Tongue Shape: The middle of the tongue forms a slight groove or funnel, allowing the airflow to travel smoothly through the oral cavity. The tongue tip should lower just slightly to create a channel that facilitates the passage of the airflow.
Jaw and Lip Positioning: The jaw should be in a high position, but it may shift forward slightly during the production of the /s/ sound. This subtle movement contributes to the precise articulation of the sound. The lips should be slightly relaxed and parted, allowing a smooth airflow.
Forward Airflow: The airstream moves forward and out of the mouth during the production of the /s/ and /z/ sounds. The airflow should continue while the tongue remains in place, ensuring a clear and crisp sound.
COMMON ERRORS WITH /S/ and /Z/:
Frontal Lisp/Interdental Lisp: This occurs when the tongue protrudes between the front teeth, resulting in a "th" sound instead of the /s/ or /z/ sound. The “typical” lisp.
Lateral Lisp: Air escapes over the sides of the tongue, creating a "slushy" sound rather than the crisp /s/ or /z/ sound. I have found that this can be really tough to remediate, especially with younger children!
Stopping: The phonological process of stopping involves substituting the /s/ sound with a stop sound like /t/ or /d/, resulting in words like "sun" sounding like "tun." This is really where those picture and hand cues can be effective!
EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR ELICITING /S/ and /Z/ SOUNDS:
Tongue Placement Similarities: The initial tongue placement for the /t/ and /s/ sounds is the same! Encourage the child to produce a "long" /t/ sound, with the tongue lightly touching the alveolar ridge then elongate that sound (like the /ts/ the end of the word “cats”). Calling this a “new sound” can eliminate the child’s attempts to correct an errored sound.
Mirror Work: Incorporate the use of mirrors during therapy sessions. This enables children to visually observe their tongue placement and make necessary adjustments for correct /s/ and /z/ sounds.
Tactile Feedback: Utilize foods like popsicles or lollipops to provide tactile feedback. Instruct the child to touch the tip of their tongue to the alveolar ridge where the food is placed, reinforcing correct tongue positioning.
Forward Stream of Air: Particularly for lateral lisps, encourage the child to visualize using a "forward stream" of air (or making the air come out of the front of the mouth instead of the sides). Explain that this helps prevent air from escaping over the sides of the tongue. Using a straw on the middle lower lip and instructing the child to make the air come through the straw can help for more feedback.
Visual Cues and Gestures: Use visual cues (picture of a snake for /s/) and name the sound as the "snake sound" for /s/. Accompany the cue with a hand and arm movement resembling a snake, moving up and down. This adds a multi-sensory aspect to the therapy, aiding in sound production.
Helping children produce the /s/ and /z/ sounds correctly can be challenging but with the right strategies, patience, and practice, success can be achieved. Remember, each child's progress may vary, so adapting these strategies to suit individual needs is crucial for optimal results.
For activities to elicit the /s/ and /z/ sounds check out some of my resources below:
