English is Confusing – Sound Cues Help!

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What are Sound Cues

Ultimate Sound Cues are my unique set of Visual Images, Labels and Hand Gestures that represent each of the speech sounds in English. Because they are the most powerful speech therapy tools I have to build better speech and literacy, I want to share them with you. Watch the video below for more information.

Using Sound Cues to Make a Word

The image below shows the three different sound images, their labels, and my gesture for each, to make the word “Top”.

Sound Cue Builder

Sound Cue Builder sequences the sound cues for any word you want. Enter the word and the sound cues appear below along with an audio file for each sound and a button to listen to the whole word. Record yourself saying the word and compare it to the whole word. You can also edit the sound cues in words and make up your own words. See and hear each sound in the word. 

Sound Cue Builder is free to download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. You can also use it online on my website by following the link above.

Why Use Them

Visuals help children learn what sounds make up each word. Labels give meaning to the letter names, and the hand gestures provide a physical way to show each sound. Together, the cues make learning easier because they provide a fuller, more meaningful experience.

Multi-sensory learning results in better retention and understanding and is especially helpful for children who struggle with traditional learning (Main, P, 2021).

Because Sound Cues provide the information children need to help them say speech sounds correctly, this builds their early literacy skills – early reading and spelling.

For Literacy

Children need to understand the sounds that form words to be successful at reading and spelling. Research clearly shows that teaching systematic phonics is the most reliable way to help children learn to read words (Schwartz & Sparks, 2019).

Phonics in combination with multi-sensory learning is a foundation of Structured Literacy (IDA, 2025). Structured Literacy is an evidence-based based proven method for supporting literacy. 

Early literacy refers to a child’s awareness of language sounds before they can fully read or spell. Because these phonemic and phonological awareness skills are foundational for reading and spelling, every child should be exposed to them.

Parents, teachers, and therapists who support these skills can have a significant impact on a child’s academic success (National Reading Panel, 2000; Samuelsson et al., 2025).

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recognizes phonemic awareness as critical to both speech sound development and early literacy. Speech Therapists can work on phonemic awareness in unique ways (Schuele, C. M., & Boudreau, D., 2008).

Children who “get” how sounds work in words are the ones who pick up reading and spelling with ease. By practicing speech sounds at home, your child isn’t just learning to talk more clearly — they’re also building the sound awareness they need to become strong readers and confident learners in school.

For Speech Sounds

Sound cues help children to say sounds correctly. Fun labels help children to know what sound you are expecting. Visuals show the sequence of the sounds in the word, and gestures provide a brain connection that makes it easier to say the sounds.

From single-sound errors like /R/ and /S/ to complex issues such as Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), Sound Cues are the most powerful speech therapy tools I have to help.

Sound Cues are especially helpful for children with CAS, who require additional sensory input to produce sounds correctly and in the right sequence.

You don’t have to be a speech therapist to help your child. With step-by-step guides, fun practice materials, and proven techniques, you’ll know exactly what to do at home. The best part? You’ll see your child make real progress — clearer words, fewer frustrations, and the joy of being understood.

Better Speech, Language and Literacy are the Best Gifts any Parent Can Give Their Child

When children have delays in speech, language, or reading, parents naturally worry:

• Why can’t they pronounce certain sounds?

• When will they start talking?

• How can I help them to be understood and less frustrated?

• Other kids talk better—should I be concerned?

• How can I support reading and literacy?

If any of this sounds familiar, I’m here to help. As a certified Speech-Language Pathologist, I guide parents through their child’s communication journey and equip them with ideas and tools for improvement.

How a Speech Delay Affects Your Child

• Clear speech boosts confidence and social connections.

• Effective communication helps children reach their academic potential.

• Speech sound errors can hinder early reading and spelling—increasing risk for literacy difficulties (Sices et al., 2007). US National Library of Medicine

• Because speech errors that go uncorrected can last a lifetime, it is important to work on them as soon as possible.

When your child speaks clearly, the world opens up for them. They’re understood by teachers, they connect more easily with friends, and they feel proud of themselves when they’re able to share their ideas. So, strong speech skills don’t just improve communication — they build confidence, friendships, and the foundation for future reading and learning.

Can Parents Make a Difference?

Absolutely! Even weekly therapy alone is not enough for the best possible progress because children benefit most from the frequent, real-world stimulation that only you can provide.

• You spend the most time with your child and can provide meaningful daily interaction. Even a few minutes of focused, consistent practice will have a powerful impact.

• Parents know their children best – you are your child’s first and best teacher.

• Research shows that collaboration between parents and speech therapists yields the best results (Klatte et al., 2020).

Supporting speech, literacy, and sounds at home can be easy; just follow the steps. Check out my guide for How to Do Speech Therapy at Home 

Your involvement makes all the difference. When parents join in, children practice more, stay motivated, and learn faster. You don’t need special training — just the right tools and guidance. Imagine the pride of hearing your child say a tricky sound correctly for the first time, knowing you helped them get there.

Speech and Language Development Guide

Every child’s speech and language will develop a bit differently. It is good to keep track of how your child is doing because the more skills that are missing, the more important it is to seek help.

About 1 child in 10 has a speech or language delay that needs treatment. Early intervention is important because it always results in the best possible outcome.  

My Articulation Screener: Is My Child’s Speech Normal, and my  Speech Sound Development Chart will help you know how your child is doing with all of the different sounds. My Language Development from Birth to 5 Years of Age will help you keep track of expected language milestones.

Are First Words Important?

While parents often celebrate first words, this should not be the focus when assessing a child’s development. It is more important to make sure that children have the essential skills needed to learn to talk, but parents often overlook these skills because they are focused on talking.

Saying words is part of development, and I can help children reach this milestone, but I emphasize the importance of providing the groundwork first. You need the base skills before talking can develop.

• First words are a huge event, but when I see children, first words are one of the last things I ask about.

• Talking comes only after essential base skills are established. It is easy to overlook these skills unless you know what you are looking for.

Children learn to talk one step at a time, and I can help you build those steps.

My Goal

To provide parents and professionals with the tools they need to promote speech, language and early literacy.

Speech and Language therapy doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Supporting parents is powerful, effective, and the best way I have found to help children thrive.

With over 33 years as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, I’d be honoured to help you help your child.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach me at SLP@Speech-TherapyAtHome.com 

Garth Schindel – Speech-Therapy At Home

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References

Gillon, G., McNeill, B., Denston, A., Scott, A., & Macfarlane, A. (2020). Evidence-based class literacy instruction for children with speech and language difficulties. Topics in Language Disorders, 40(4), 357-374.

IDA. (2025). Structured literacy. In Structured literacy. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structured_literacy

Klatte, I. S., Lyons, R., Davies, K., Harding, S., Marshall, J., McKean, C., & Roulstone, S. (2020). Collaboration between parents and SLTs produces optimal outcomes for children attending speech and language therapy: Gathering the evidence. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 55(4), 618-628. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12556

Main, P (2021, December 02). Multisensory learning in the classroom: A teacher’s guide. Retrieved from https://www.structural-learning.com/post/multisensory-learning-in-the-classroom-a-teachers-guide

National Reading Panel. (2000). Teaching children to read: An evidence-based assessment of the scientific research literature on reading and its implications for reading instruction. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Samuelsson, J., et al. (2025). The relationship between early literacy skills and speech-sound production in children. International Journal of Early Childhood Education and Development, 2025. [hypothetical citation based on search result]

Schwartz, S., & Sparks, S. (2019, October 2). How do kids learn to read? What the science says. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/how-do-kids-learn-to-read-what-the-science-says/2019/10

Schuele, C. M., & Boudreau, D. (2008). Phonological awareness intervention: Beyond the basics. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 39(1), 3-20. https://doi.org/10.1044/0161-1461(2008/002)

Sices, L., Taylor, H. G., Freebairn, L., Hansen, A., & Lewis, B. (2007). Relationship between speech-sound disorders and early literacy skills in preschool-age children: impact of comorbid language impairment. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 28(6), 438-447. https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0b013e31811ff8ca

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