Speech Exercises for Stuttering Preschoolers

Stuttering, the practice of repeating a letter or sound at the beginning of a word or prolonging the pronunciation of a word, usually begins when a child is a preschooler. Although most children outgrow stuttering, the habit is a concern for parents. Certain speech exercises are available for the young child as he learns how to speak correctly and eliminate stuttering.

Breathing

• One exercise for preschoolers involves teaching them proper breathing techniques. These exercises allow the mouth to relax. The preschooler learns to slow down when speaking and to avoid having a tense jaw and mouth muscles. Pausing before speaking and taking deep breaths gives the preschooler sufficient oxygen, which helps avoid stuttering.

Repetition Single Word

• This exercise consists of choosing a single word and then having the preschooler say the word slowly, incorporating the deep-breathing techniques. Speak the one word over and over until it is clear and distinct. Once the preschooler masters this exercise, additional words can be added until one complete sentence is spoken without stuttering.

Rhyming

• Teaching a preschooler a rhyme that she can memorize allows her to learn how to feel comfortable with a set of words. The repetition of the rhyme makes the words familiar and gives her confidence to speak without stuttering.

Flashcards

• Flashcards with pictures of objects or animals that the preschooler recognizes, such as a house or a horse, provides an exercise in which the preschooler learns to identify the card, then speak the word slowly and correctly. Repetition of this speech exercise helps eliminate stuttering.