Using Literacy Activities to Promote Articulation

Speech therapy and literacy might seem like separate disciplines—one focused on how we say words, the other on how we read and write them. But in practice, they are deeply connected. One powerful way to improve speech clarity (articulation) is by embedding articulation goals within literacy-based activities.

Whether you're working with a child who struggles with /r/ or an adult improving intelligibility post-stroke, literacy offers a rich, functional, and motivating platform to practice articulation. Here’s how and why it works—and specific ways to use reading and writing activities to strengthen speech.

Why Combine Literacy and Articulation?

1. Context Matters

Isolated articulation drills can feel repetitive and disconnected from real-world language use. But literacy tasks naturally embed speech sounds in meaningful contexts—stories, conversations, descriptions. This promotes generalization (the ability to carry skills into daily communication).

2. Repetition Without Boredom

Repetition is key in articulation therapy, but worksheets and flashcards can wear thin fast. Literacy tasks—like repeated reading of a favorite book—offer built-in, engaging repetition that feels purposeful, not robotic.

3. Visual and Phonological Connections

Seeing words while saying them links orthographic (written) and phonological (sound-based) systems in the brain. That dual input boosts both reading and articulation, especially when working with sounds like /s/, /th/, or blends that require careful placement.

Core Literacy Activities That Promote Articulation

Let’s explore specific literacy activities and how to tweak them to target articulation goals.

1. Sound-Focused Story Reading

What It Is: Choose books that include many instances of the target sound (e.g., /k/, /r/, /sh/) and read them aloud together.

Why It Works: Children hear and practice target sounds in a natural context. Reading aloud provides a model and opportunity to imitate correct articulation.

Tips:

●       Highlight words with the sound before reading.

●       Have the child “hunt” for words with the target sound on each page.

●       Echo read: you read a line, the child repeats it.

●       Use books like “Sheep in a Jeep” for /sh/ or “The Very Clumsy Click Beetle” for /k/.

2. Articulation Journals

What It Is: Have the child (or teen/adult) keep a speech journal where they write sentences or short stories using words with their target sounds.

Why It Works: Writing helps reinforce correct sound placement and can serve as a self-monitoring tool.

Tips:

●       Use sound word lists as prompts.

●       Encourage the writer to read their entries aloud with careful articulation.

●       Add drawings or photos to increase engagement.

3. Sound Sorts with Written Words

What It Is: Give a list of words containing various sounds. Ask the individual to sort them by initial, medial, or final position of the target sound—or by correct/incorrect production.

Why It Works: It builds phonemic awareness and supports sound discrimination, which is crucial for refining articulation.

Tips:

●       Use visual aids (sound bins, cards, colored markers).

●       Make it tactile: have the child physically place words into piles.

●       Add a speaking component: they say each word aloud as they sort.

4. Shared Storytelling with Target Sounds

What It Is: Build a story together using words that contain the target sound. One person starts a sentence, and the other adds on.

Why It Works: It blends expressive language, creativity, and articulation in one fun, cooperative task.

Tips:

●       Use sentence starters or visual prompts.

●       Write the story down as you go.

●       Read it aloud together, focusing on articulation.

5. Target Sound Word Hunts

What It Is: While reading a book, searching a newspaper, or browsing a magazine, the individual hunts for words that contain the target sound.

Why It Works: It strengthens sound-letter awareness and supports scanning and attention—great for kids with executive function challenges.

Tips:

●       Create a checklist or bingo board.

●       Add a pronunciation practice moment every time a word is found.

●       Celebrate with a “sound superstar” certificate.

6. Poetry and Rhyming Games

What It Is: Use rhyming poems or create your own silly rhymes using articulation targets.

Why It Works: Rhymes naturally emphasize phonemes and help build both auditory discrimination and expressive fluency.

Tips:

●       Choose rhymes with target sounds in key positions.

●       Write poems together.

●       Record the child reading the poem with clear articulation and play it back.

7. Reader’s Theater

What It Is: Scripted reading of short plays with expressive voices and clear pronunciation.

Why It Works: It promotes fluency, articulation, and prosody (the rhythm and tone of speech) in a fun, performance-based way.

Tips:

●       Pick roles with lots of target sounds.

●       Rehearse multiple times for practice.

●       Encourage dramatic, clear speech!

Real-Life Examples: What This Looks Like in Therapy

Here are three mini case studies showing how literacy and articulation combine effectively:

Case 1: Jordan, Age 7, Lisp on /s/
Jordan loved dinosaurs. His therapist used the book “Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp”, which is packed with /s/ blends. They read together, searched for /s/ words, and Jordan made his own dinosaur storybook using articulation targets. After 6 weeks, his /s/ sound was far more consistent.

Case 2: Tanya, Age 13, Post-Ortho Lisp and R Sound Issues
Tanya wrote in a daily articulation journal. Her therapist gave her weekly themes: “Things I’m proud of,” “Weird facts,” “My dream vacation.” She had to use 5–10 /r/ words in each entry. Reading these aloud in sessions gave her repeated, meaningful /r/ practice.

Case 3: Alex, Age 45, Dysarthria After Stroke
For Alex, therapy included reading aloud from news articles and practicing the articulation of complex multisyllabic words. He practiced writing and saying summaries using clear speech. Reading aloud helped him improve pacing and intelligibility in conversation.

Tips for Parents and Educators

●       Make It Fun: Use interests (sports, pets, space) to pick books and themes.

●       Be Patient: Don’t correct every sound—choose 2–3 moments per activity to focus on.

●     Use Tech Wisely: Tools like Google Docs (with voice typing), articulation apps, or online books can make practice more engaging.

●       Celebrate Progress: Let kids illustrate their journals, record their reading, or share stories with family.

Final Thoughts

Articulation therapy doesn’t have to live on drill cards and flash exercises. By blending speech goals with literacy-rich activities, you create a dynamic, engaging, and functional approach that resonates with learners of all ages.

Reading, writing, speaking—they’re all part of communication. When we combine them thoughtfully, we help children and adults become not just clearer speakers, but stronger communicators overall.