Want to know more about therapy for Stuttering? Here are a collection of stuttering exercises for children that can be used by parents or teachers.
Stuttering, also known as stammering is a condition often encountered in children. The exact cause for stuttering or stammering has not yet been found, and there are many theories on it. However, stuttering and stammering can decrease with speech therapy and psychological support. For many children, it comes at a point of their life and then goes. Some adults however, continue to have difficulties throughout their life. Here are a collection of stuttering exercises for children. All these are simple activities that can be done at home or in a regular classroom.
Teach Pausing
Pausing is a technique that is taught to people who stutter. The child is taught to pause after the first word of every sentence, and then after every one, two or three words. The child is taught always to pause after words and never in the middle of a word. This helps to relax and this decrease stuttering.
Model as you Talk
Pausing and speaking slowly can be modeled by the teacher or the parent. When the teacher asks the question slowly, and with pauses, the child tends to respond with pauses. It also makes it easier for the child to learn pausing.
Use Simple Language
Parents and teachers are encouraged to use simple language and short sentences while talking t children. This helps them feel confident about speaking, and using short sentences.
Play Speech Games
Incorporate speaking techniques like pausing into games. Play games where children have to explain something, describe something, or give directions to one another. Ask the children to use pausing techniques while speaking. This helps children do exercises in a fun and entertaining way. More activities to practice pausing techniques may be found at thejournalofstuttering.com.
Imitate Different Sounds
Use games and fun activities to try imitating a variety of sounds. Practice difficult sounds in fun games and environments. This will also help the child gain confidence to speak out and try out different sounds.
Teach Drinking from a Straw
Drinking from a straw requires the tongue to be in a position that is optimal for speaking. Practicing drinking through a straw will help children develop oral skills that may help stuttering. The size of the straw can be slowly decreased by snipping off one end every few days to wean it off. Pacifiers must be avoided for children with stuttering and speech difficulties.
Thus, these are some stuttering exercises for children that can be used by teachers or parents. The most important part of helping children who stutter is to support them and encourage them. Take time to listen to them, and do not be impatient when they stutter. This will help them gain confidence to speak. Here are some ideas for teachers on how to approach stuttering in the classroom .
Hope this information was useful, for more resources on special education and special needs children, continue to browse through the special education channel on https://www.brighthub.com/ .
References:
3 Tips Of Speech Therapy Exercises On How To Stop Lisping. (n.d.). Retrieved from Cure Stutttering: https://www.curestuttering.org/3-tips-of-speech-therapy-exercises-on-how-to-stop-lisping/
Reitzes, P. (2006). Five Fun Activities to Practice Pausing with Children Who Stutter. The Journal of Stuttering Therapy, Advocacy & Research , 102- 110.
https://www.journalofstuttering.com/1-3/Reitzes.2006.JSTAR.1.102-110.pdf
