Speech Sound Errors: Weak Syllable Deletion
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 Weak Syllable Deletion
Weak syllable deletion is when a child leaves out the quieter or less stressed part of a word. For example, they might say “nana” instead of “banana” or “puter” instead of “computer.”
Age of Elimination
This is common in young children as they are learning to talk, but most children grow out of it by around 4 years old.
*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 Weak Syllable Deletion
Say the full word clearly – Emphasize the whole word when you speak. For example: “Let’s say banana – ba-NA-na.”
Slow it down – Break the word into parts: “com–pu–ter.” Have your child try to say each part.
Repeat and correct gently – If your child says “nana,” repeat it back the right way: “Yes, banana!”
Use songs and stories – Sing songs or read books that have words with three or more syllables to give extra practice.
Clap it out – Clap each syllable together to help your child hear and feel the beats in the word (e.g., ba–na–na = 3 claps).
Helping your child with weak syllable deletion 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:
Grunwell, P. (1997). Natural phonology. In M. Ball & R. Kent (Eds.), The new phonologies: Developments in clinical linguistics. San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Group, Inc.
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
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.