Final Tips for “Th:” Successive Approximations Tasks (4 of 4)

Shaping a “th” from speech sounds that the client can produce correctly (meaning, they have appropriate stabilization-mobilization), is a technique that can be quite helpful. And I’m pretty much for anything that works!

I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve used some of the following shaping strategies. We all would love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

Relevant to the techniques presented below, I’d like to share a brief note…

About the V and UV “Th” Productions

There are a few notable differences between the productions of the V “th” and the UV “th” that may influence your sound shaping/assimilation choices:

§  The UV “th” seems to require less airflow effort than the V “th,”

§  A sustained V “th” (has phonation) tickles the lips; this can be aversive for some clients,

§  The UV “th” continuous flow of air is (sometimes) sustained longer than the V “th,” and

§  In context, the V “th” tongue-incisors interaction seems to be quicker, i.e., the tongue does not sustain its lingua-dental position as long as the UV “th.”

Shaping Techniques

1.  Shape: From /i/ (ee) to either UV or V “Th”

The /i/ is a high, tense front vowel that stabilizes on the lingual sides (usually the cusp area) of the top side and back teeth. Produce /i/, sustain, then slide the tongue forward along the “rails” of the sides of the top teeth, to just between the top and bottom incisors; add airflow and say ”th.” Ensure the jaw lowers just a bit and does not move forward in an effort to assist in the tongue’s movement. There must be some lingual. (If not head back to blog numbers 43 and 45.)

2.  Sound Stim from /n/ to UV “Th”

Sustain the /n/ production and slide forward to the unvoiced “th” placement.  The /n/ a nice, close approximation:  just slide forward and down the contour of the top incisors; then add airflow.  The slide helps to provide tactile guidance for the tongue as it moves.  This slide, however, doesn’t work as well for the voiced “th.”

3.  Sound Stim from an Interdental /t/ to UV “Th”

Produce a forward, against-the-edges-of-the-front-teeth mildly plosive /t/.  Just the tongue moves and interacts; make sure it’s not jaw-driven.  Then progressively over-aspirate the sound, sustain the airflow, and shape the tongue into a “th” placement.

As-Needed Supplemental Tasks

Stabilize the Jaw for Tongue Independence

You need three small tongue depressors and scotch tape to make a bite-block. Stack the tongue depressors together and wrap the tape around the middle. To keep the jaw still, place one end of the taped tongue depressors between the top and bottom molars on one side; gently bite down.  This keeps the jaw “busy” and creates a static oral environment for the tongue to independently move anteriorly-posteriorly.

Feedback for Discerning Voiced and UnVoiced

For this one you need a small piece of plastic wrap or wax paper; writing paper gets too moist and yucky. I would suggest you try it first, then guide your client to following the instructions.

Hold an edge of the plastic wrap or wax paper taut in your fingers with both hands. Open your jaw (about half way), lower the tongue, and place the paper (the part between each hand) on the surface of your front-tongue. Raise the jaw slightly and place the tongue in the “th” position, i.e., close to the top incisors. Continue to hold the paper taut and say the UV “th.” The paper will gently flutter. Then say the V “th;” the paper will gently vibrate. Note the differences.

Thanks so much for all the good things you do with your therapy-kids! Do know, you are appreciated.

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