Tactile Cueing for Speech

Tactile cues are based on movements of the lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw and provide visual and sensory input to aide in articulation. Make sure the child is watching you closely as you show him the tactile cues for the sounds.

Sound /p/ and /b/: Place the tip of your index finger on your cheek. Tap the cheek lightly as you say the /p/ or / b/ sound.

/m/: Move the tip of your index finger across your lips as you say the /m/ sound.

/t/ and /d/: Tap the tip of your index finger on the center section of your upper lip. Tap lightly one time on this part of your upper lip as you say the /t/ or /d/ sound.

/n/ and /l/: Press the tip of your index finger on the center portion of your upper lip. Do not tap because the /n/ and /l/ sounds are continuous. A different cue for /n/ only is placing the finger on the side of the nose, indicating the air is going through the nose instead of the mouth.

/k/ and /g/: Place your index finger horizontally across the back of your throat. As you say the /k/ or /g/ sound move your index finger upward, as if youre raising the back of your tongue up.

/f/ and /v/: Place the tip of your index finger at the mid point of your lower lip. As you say the /f/ or /v/ sound press the tip of your index finger inward, moving the lower lip inward.

/sh/: Place your index finger vertically across rounded lips as you say the /sh/ sound. It looks like youre telling someone SHHHHbe quiet.

/s/ and /z/: Use your index finger to travel lightly up your arm while you say the /s/ sound. When working on /s/ clusters you will need to use the cue for /s/ plus the next consonant that follows the /s/. For example, for the word snake you will use a cue for the /s/ and the /n/.

/ch/ and /j/: Using your index finger and thumb, press in at the corners of your mouth while saying the /ch/ and /j/ sounds.

/r/: Cross your index and middle fingers. Place horizontally across the back of your throat and raise your fingers up as you say the /r/ sound.

/h/: Move your index finger in the direction of airflow, starting from your chest and out your mouth as you say the /h/ sound.

/th/: Touch the tip of your tongue with the tip of your index finger as your tongue protrudes from your mouth as you say the /th/ sound.