• using the key, consider whether any of the sounds are identified as either
later
developing
or
back of mouth sounds
• target sounds or sound families for instruction or remediation
• compare the student’s results to the sound acquisition norms.
Norms
Although there are individual variations, most children learn to articulate speech sounds in
much the same order and at around the same age. Articulation skills develop over a period
of 6–7 years, as the child learns to control and coordinate the movements of his/her tongue,
lips, jaw, vocal chords, and hard and soft palate. The following table represents the expected
age for the correct pronunciation of speech sounds.
24
Support Materials for Students with Special Education Needs
English K–6
Speaking and listening
ASSESSMENT
Expected age for the correct pronunciation of speech sounds
Age
Sounds
2 years
/h/ /b/ /m/ /w/ /n/ /p/
3 years
/k/ /t/ /d/ /g/ /ng/ and all vowels
4 years
/f/ /y/
5 years
/z/ /s/ /j/ /l/ /r/ /ch/ /sh/ blends ( ie pr, dr, br, st, str)
6 years
/v/ /zh/ as in measure
8 years
/th/ (voiced and unvoiced)
Students who are unable to say the sounds expected for his or her age after targeted
intervention, should be referred to a speech therapist/pathologist.
