Print and Play

Minimal pairs are like word buddies that differ by just one sound, giving each its own special meaning (e.g. bat - bag). Intervention involves three easy steps, starting with getting to know the pictures you'll be using. Show the child each picture and tell them its name (like "This is a key."), highlight the starting sound /k/, and add a semantic detail (like "Mom has a key for the car.").

Next up is the listening game. Spread out the pictures, and take turns to pick them up one by one (try saying "Pick up fish."). Keep going until you've named all the pictures!

Lastly, we have the production step. Say "imagine you're the teacher now! You get to tell us which word to pick up." I'll pick up the word I hear you say. If you say "tar," I'll pick this one up. And if you go, "No, the tar!" we'll pick up both and ask, "Do you mean car or tar?" Let's have some fun!