The number one reason for failure in beginning readers is a child's inability to memorize all consonant and vowel sounds along with the inability of knowing how to blend these sounds when reading.  Consonant sounds need to be memorized first and memorization of any information requires repetition. Phonics deals with the repetition of sounds so learners can identify words, pronounce them correctly and learn patterns in the language that will allow them to learn on their own.

In many instances, poor phonics skills can be directly related to physical setbacks like jaw alignment or other dental problems. As a way of encouraging early generalization skills, allow students a "share one thing" time at the beginning of therapy. They are expected to try to use their target sound correctly during this time. They are very motivated to correct an error if pointed out, as they are anxious to "share one thing" with the group. Charting can be used to track errors or self-correction so the child can see improvement.

It is often difficult to get a child to elicit the /r/ sound correctly. A technique that sometimes works well is to have the child chew gun energetically with the mouth open while attempting to say /r/. Chewing the gum really gets the tongue moving and exploring different positions.

As a way of making articulation therapy relevant to a child's real-life environment, keep track of the words that the child mispronounces in day-to-day conversation. Write these words on little colored cards. When the child comes in for therapy, quickly go through these words for a beginning warm-up drill. Attach them to my Word Board bulletin board with their name nearby. After they no longer have difficulty with these words, they can remove them from the board and throw them away, or take them home to read to their parents.

At the end of each month, language students have to go back to their classroom teacher and tell them what they have worked on that month, goals/objectives they have achieved, and goals/objectives they are going to continue with for the next month.

Phonics can be made fun and improve a child’s pronunciation for children/adults with speech problems due to dental problems. Help them build confidence in speaking!