Using Hand Gestures to Improve Your Child’s Speech
When it comes to helping children with speech sound disorders, parents and therapists are always on the lookout for effective, engaging strategies. One powerful technique? Using hand gestures and gaining children’s visual attention to support speech production.
Research shows that combining visual cues with speech practice not only makes learning more engaging but also helps children understand and produce sounds more accurately. Let’s explore how this works and how you can use it to support your child.
A Science-Based Practice!
Studies have consistently demonstrated that using multiple senses—visual, auditory, and tactile—can enhance learning. One study published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research found that pairing speech with visual cues, like hand gestures, helps children focus and retain new speech patterns more effectively (Maas et al., 2012).
When children see a gesture, such as tapping your lips for a /b/ sound, it creates a connection between the sound, the movement, and their motor memory. This multisensory approach allows children to “feel” the sound in their bodies, making it easier to replicate during practice.
Why Visual Attention Matters
Before modeling any sound or gesture, gaining your child’s visual attention is essential. If your child isn’t focused on you, they’re less likely to notice or imitate the gesture. Here’s how to ensure their focus:
Get on their level: Sit or kneel so you’re at eye level with your child.
Use their name: Call their name gently to capture their attention.
Incorporate fun cues: Clap, use a playful tone, or hold up a favorite toy or picture.
When your child is visually engaged, they’re better able to process the gesture and the sound together, which strengthens their learning.
Examples of Hand Gestures for Speech Sounds
Hand gestures can be paired with specific sounds to make them more concrete. Here are a few examples:
/b/: Tap your lips as you say the sound.
/s/: Slide your hand forward to mimic the smooth sound.
/sh/: Place your finger in front of your lips in the classic “shh” gesture.
/t/: Flick your finger lightly upward to match the crisp, quick sound.
By linking these gestures to the sounds, you’re giving your child a visual and physical way to understand how the sound is made.
Practical Tips for Using Gestures in Speech Practice
Model Clearly: Show the gesture as you say the sound or word.
Practice Together: Encourage your child to imitate both the sound and the gesture.
Reinforce Consistently: Use the same gestures every time to build familiarity and motor memory.
Keep It Fun: Incorporate gestures into games, songs, or storytime to make practice feel like play.
Empowered Kids!
In addition to making speech practice more engaging, gestures give children a tool for self-correction. Over time, they can use the gestures independently to cue themselves when they struggle with a sound, boosting their confidence and independence.
Ready to Try It?
Using hand gestures and gaining your child’s attention may seem simple, but it’s a research-backed, effective way to help kids with speech sound disorders. Whether you’re a parent or a therapist, this strategy can make a big difference in building accurate, confident communication skills.
Have questions or need more support with your child’s speech development? Let’s connect!
References
Maas, E., Gildersleeve-Neumann, C., Jakielski, K. J., & Stoeckel, R. (2012). Motor-based intervention protocols in treatment of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 55(1), S378–S393.