Speech Sound Errors: Alveolarisation
What is a Phonological Process
A phonological process is a pattern young children use to simplify speech as they learn to talk. Since some sounds are harder to say than others, children might change them to make speaking easier. These processes are normal and usually disappear as the child grows older and gains more control over their speech.
What is Alveolarisation
Alveolarisation is a speech sound pattern where a child changes sounds made with the lips or teeth into sounds made with the tongue at the top of the mouth (the alveolar ridge). For example, a child might say “sun” as “tun” or “thumb” as “sum.”
Age of Elimination
This is a normal part of speech development for some young children, but if it continues past a certain age (usually around 5 years), it may need support to correct.
*Please note these ages of elimination are intended as a general guide only. Other sources can change age ranges by six months to a year. Phonological processes are a murky area of speech pathology.
Fixing Alveolarisation
Model Correct Speech: Clearly say the word your child is trying to say. If they say “tun,” you say, “Yes, sun! Let’s say sun together.”
Visual Cues: Show them how your tongue stays behind your teeth for “s” or “th” sounds. Use a mirror so they can watch themselves.
Games with Sounds: Play listening games. Say two words like “sun” and “tun” and ask, “Which one is right?” or “Do they sound the same or different?”
Speech Practice: Pick 3–5 words they often say incorrectly. Practice those words for a few minutes each day in a fun way—like during a game, snack, or story.
Helping your child with alveolarisation can be fun and engaging. With patience and practice, they'll start using the correct sounds in no time!
Please note the above information is general in nature and is not intended as professional medical advice. Please seek an appointment with a registered speech-language pathologist if you are at all worried about your child's development.
References:
Mcleod, S (2009). Speech sound acquisition. In Bernthal, J. E., Bankson, N. W., & Flipsen, P. Articulation and phonological disorders: speech sound disorders in children. Pearson/Allyn & Bacon. Boston, MA.
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. (2024). Phonological Processes Chart Phonological Processes Description Example Whole Word/Syllable Processes Consonant Cluster Simplification (reduction). https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sped/pdf/sl-phon-process-chart.pdf
Vollmer, E. (2023). Phonological Processes. Therapy Works. https://therapyworks.com/blog/language-development/phonological-processes/phonological-processes/
Suggested Resources
FREEBIE Stone Age Struggle: /b/ Sound
Practice your child’s /b/ sounds with dangerous dinos in a fun interactive game.
FREEBIE Shopping Trip: /b/ Sound
Practice your child’s /b/ sounds by competing to see who can fill their shopping basket first.
FREEBIE Monster Madness: /b/ Sound
Practice your child’s /b/ sounds with mad monsters in a fun interactive game.