Learning Multisyllabic Words with Speech Therapy
Multisyllabic words can pose a great challenge to anyone who may be struggling with their speech and language skills. Once children have mastered producing single-syllable words, their goals may then shift to working on and eventually mastering speaking multisyllabic words. Combining syllables within a word can be challenging, and these speaking skills develop over time, as the child grows and develops. Even adults can sometimes struggle to get multisyllabic words out properly and correctly.
Learning to correctly speak using longer words with more syllables can be helped with the support and guidance of a speech and language pathologist. There are also some activities and exercises that can be done at home to help strengthen these skills and work towards your child’s speech goals. If you or your child is struggling with speech and could use some support, contact us today to schedule your free introductory call!
What are Examples of Multisyllabic Words?
Multisyllabic words are any words that contain more than one syllable. In fact, the word “multisyllabic” is 5 syllables! When working on increasing the number of syllables in words that can be spoken, it is important to build up to longer words over time. Once they have mastered single-syllable words, move onto words with 2, then 3, and 4 syllables. Some of the best words to work on and target are:
- Swea-ter
- Wa-ter
- Tow-el
- Fire-truck
- Po-lar Bear
- Bas-Ket-Ball
What is Chunking? How do you teach Chunking Multisyllabic words?
Chunking is a strategy that many speech therapists and other educational professionals use to help children learn to say longer and more complicated words. Chunking is the simple act of breaking down bigger words into smaller more manageable pieces or “chunks” before eventually combining these pieces into the complete word. Learning each syllable individually before eventually combining them is an excellent way to help a child learn to speak more complex and intricate words and sound combinations.
Chunking words can also be a helpful strategy in early reading and literacy, as children often get overwhelmed when they see a longer, unfamiliar word. Teaching them to break the word down into smaller pieces that they can sound out can help to build confidence and skills on the road to word recognition. If you are interested in learning more about the strategies speech therapists employ, or want to find support for your child, schedule your free introductory call today!
How Can I Support my Child’s Speech and Language Development at Home?
There are lots of activities and exercises you can do at home to help your child’s development and progression and expand their vocabulary by introducing longer multisyllabic words. There are also lots of resources available that can help teach children to expand their vocabulary and learn new, longer words. Some of the best tools for teaching these skills are such things as flashcards that break multisyllabic words down by syllable, also using blocks, balls, or beads to count and track syllables can also be helpful.
Many children begin to learn multisyllabic words by clapping each syllable. This is a great way for children to learn to decipher syllables and sounds within a word and strengthen their understanding of word structure and sound combinations. Simply talking to your child, and listening to your child when they talk, is the foundation of building strong literacy and communication skills. Pay attention to the words that you use, and if you catch yourself speaking a longer word, take the time to break it down with your child and encourage them to repeat the word back to you as best they can. Some children who have particular difficulty or significant challenges related to speaking and combining syllables may be struggling with a speech sound disorder.
How Can Speech Therapy Help with Multisyllabic Words? Can Online Speech Therapy Help My Child?
The speech therapists on our Great Speech team are experts in providing guidance and support to all kinds of people who may be struggling with a wide variety of speech and language issues. They have an incredible wealth of knowledge, experience, and systems that are proven to be effective and deliver results. When it comes to helping children learn to say multisyllabic words correctly and clearly, our speech therapists have all kinds of tricks up their sleeves. One of the most important parts of this process is the identification of areas that pose a particular challenge to the child. Through this, your speech therapist can establish targets, goals, and a treatment plan. They can then provide a list of words to be practiced during the therapy sessions, as well as at home between appointments.
Your Great Speech therapist will also help teach your child about pacing. Pacing can be a very important aspect of speech as if the pacing between syllables or words is too long or too short, it can deeply affect the clarity and accuracy of speech. When a child is learning longer words with multiple syllables, the pacing and speed at which each syllable is produced are very important, and a registered speech and language pathologist can help with these skills immensely.
Bringing speech therapy online to a telepractice means that speech therapy is more accessible and convenient than ever. Children love engaging with their therapist online, and online appointments eliminate wasted time such as travel to the clinic and waiting room time. It also brings the fun and novel element of technology that children are naturally drawn to and proficient at. You and your child can benefit from the support of a qualified speech and language pathologist as they develop their communication abilities. Get started and schedule your free introductory call today!
