What will help children and adults learn to pronounce the necessary sounds clearly
Articulation gymnastics comprises a series of exercises designed to enhance the accurate pronunciation of specific sounds. These exercises target the articulatory apparatus, consisting of muscles in the tongue, lips, and facial muscles. The tongue plays a central role in speech, making strengthening its muscles crucial for clear pronunciation.
During speech, various muscles, including those in the face, neck, and chest (numbering approximately a hundred), are engaged. Therefore, while practicing articulatory gymnastics, it’s recommended not to overlook general physical exercises.
Articulation gymnastics is commonly prescribed for children who are learning to speak but may struggle to pronounce sounds or words accurately for various reasons. As the muscles of the speech apparatus strengthen over time, any speech defects tend to diminish. Should issues persist, articulatory gymnastics serves as an effective intervention. Moreover, several articulatory gymnastics exercises are utilized in vocal training for singing.
These fundamental exercises are also beneficial for adults. Whether one needs to deliver speeches in public, teach, or hold leadership roles requiring frequent interpersonal communication, articulation gymnastics aids in achieving clear diction. Many techniques from articulation gymnastics serve as foundational elements in public speaking courses, and some exercises have even found application in facial fitness, a trendy practice today.
Articulatory gymnastics encompasses two primary types of exercises: static and dynamic, often characterized by figurative names. These exercises focus on engaging the tip, front, and sides of the tongue, as the quality of sounds largely depends on their coordinated movement.
Simple movements are gradually combined into more complex sets of exercises, emphasizing proper lip positioning and airflow control. Specific exercises target whistling sounds, resonant sounds (e.g., “r”, “l”), their combination with vowel sounds, and more.
Selecting a training program should be done on an individual basis, considering personal objectives. Even if a child doesn’t exhibit pronounced diction issues, engaging in articulation gymnastics can still be beneficial. Strengthening the speech apparatus instills confidence in communication skills, fostering effective interpersonal interactions.
Foundational Gymnastics Poses
Each of the poses listed below is maintained for 5-7 seconds and repeated several times. These exercises can be easily practiced at home with your child.
During gymnastics, maintaining eye contact is essential. Lead by example to assist children in performing the exercises correctly. As they become more proficient, children can practice independently in front of a mirror.
- “Pipe”:
Purse your lips together and extend them forward as far as possible. - “Fence”:
Display a broad smile, revealing both upper and lower teeth. Often, the “Pipe” and “Fence” exercises are combined into one routine, alternating them with repetitions of 5-7 times each. - “Horse”:
The child clicks their tongue, mimicking the sound of hoofbeats. - “Angry Horse”:
Imitate a horse’s snort. Inhale deeply and forcefully exhale without opening the mouth, causing the lips to vibrate. - “Rabbit”:
Lift the upper lip to expose the upper teeth and hold for 6-7 seconds. - “Fish”:
Pull in the cheeks and maintain this position. - “Brushing Teeth”:
Run the tip of the tongue over the upper and lower teeth, moving in a circular motion inside the mouth several times. - “Hamster”:
Puff out both cheeks, then alternate puffing left and right. - “Pop the Balloon”:
Puff up the cheeks and lightly tap them with the index fingers to release the air. Repeat 5 times. - “Piglet”:
Form a tube with the lips and rotate them in a circular motion in a closed position. - “Needle”:
Protrude the tongue as far as possible, keeping it narrow. - “Mushroom”:
Raise the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth and hold for 5-7 seconds. - “Clock”:
Slightly open the mouth and touch the tongue to the right and left corners of the mouth. - “Swing”:
Open the mouth, slightly protrude the tongue, and alternate raising and lowering it. - “Steamboat Whistle”:
Maintain a wide smile, lightly bite the tongue (hold it), and produce a prolonged “y” sound. - “Tasty Jam”:
Lick the upper lip with a wide tongue. Optionally, supplement the exercise with real jam. - “Playful Puppy”:
Smile widely, open the mouth, and gently bite the tip and center of the tongue. - “Cup”:
Open the mouth wide and elevate the tongue. - “Blow”:
From the “cup” position, blow gently on the tip of the nose. Optionally, place a piece of tissue near the nose to observe it rise from the airflow. - “Painter”:
Smile, open the mouth, and “stroke” the palate with the tip of the tongue, moving it forward towards the upper teeth and then backward. - “Where’s the Candy?”:
Close the mouth tightly and press the tip of the tongue against one cheek, then the other. The movement should be visible from the side. - “Bagel”:
Close the teeth, round the lips, and extend them slightly forward. Hold for 10 seconds and relax. Repeat for 3 sets. - “Straw”:
Slightly protrude the tongue and curl it into a tube. Hold for 10 seconds. Perform 2 sets. - “Monkey”:
Slightly open the mouth and place the tongue between the lower teeth and the lower lip. Keep the lips closer together. Hold for 10 seconds. - “Bulldog”:
Similar to “Monkey”, but place the tongue between the upper lip and the upper teeth.
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What affects the effectiveness of exercise
Regularity
It is important to train the articulatory apparatus on a regular basis. When the movements are brought to automatism, the child begins to use the necessary (and strengthened) muscles of the tongue and lips to pronounce sounds.
Good mood of the child
Thanks to the game form, classes can be made fun. Children perceive them as another entertainment, so they easily agree to articulation gymnastics.
Choose the right time of day
This point is also related to the good mood of the child and the degree of his perception. The child should not be tired. Everyone has their own daily routine, but for kids, it is best to plan classes between breakfast and lunch or after a nap.
For older children, the afternoon is also suitable, but no later than 3 hours before the main night’s sleep.
The principle of “from simple to complex”
At first, try the easiest exercises. Once you have mastered them, gradually increase the difficulty of completing the tasks by adding more difficult elements.
But it is important to remember: new exercises should be introduced gradually, no more than one at each lesson. The quality of workmanship plays a role here, not the quantity.
When the child is confident in basic articulatory gymnastics, you can move on to small forms of tongue twisters, short quatrains and other techniques that help to consolidate the acquired skills.
