Using High Frequency Words in Articulation Therapy

I recently released an entire line of no-prep articulation worksheets. The thing that differentiated these worksheets from other resources already out there is that they utilize high frequency words.

What are high frequency words? High frequency words are the ones that we say frequently day to day.

Today, I wanted to share my thoughts on using high frequency words in articulation therapy as well as share out some research that’s been done on the topic! Last, I wanted to share some feedback I’ve received from other SLPs about how using high frequency words in articulation therapy has worked for them!

MY THOUGHTS

A couple years ago, I realized that many of my students were producing words like “thimble” and “thermos” correctly, but still struggled to produce functional words like “this” or “there” correctly. I searched and searched and couldn’t find any simple, drill-based worksheets that used these types of words so of course, I made my own!

I’m a big fan of keeping articulation therapy simple, drill-based, and effective. My goal for every session is to maximize the number of correct productions my students can make. Most of my articulation students get 5-10 minute sessions, several times a week.

These shorter sessions make it easier to just stick to drill and skip all the fluff activities. I also like doing my sessions this way because it eliminates mixed groups until my articulation students are working on the sentence or carryover levels. First, we establish solid sounds in isolation and words without muddying the waters with additional language.

RESEARCH ON HIGH FREQUENCY WORDS

There have been several studies done on which word types are the most effective in articulation therapy. First, I need to mention that this study confirms that all words types (nonwords, academic words, high frequency words) improve articulation skills so there’s no need to throw away all of your old materials!

This study, done in 2016, concluded that high-frequency words contributed to greater gains. You can read the entire study for free if you’re an ASHA member, but in summary, the article states, “There is also evidence to suggest that selecting certain types of words (e.g., high frequency words) may facilitate learning during treatment for children with speech sound disorder.”

FEEDBACK ON HIGH-FREQUENCY WORD PACKET

My no-prep high frequency articulation resources have gotten some incredible feedback from other SLPs so far. Below is some of the feedback I’ve gotten. I hope hearing from other SLPs helps you understand how they’re using the resource!

“This is probably the best resource I have ever purchased on TPT. I’m obsessed with it and wonder how I even did artic therapy before I had it. It’s perfect for where most of my artic students are, and I’m so thankful we are practicing words that actually make a difference in their everyday speech(this/the/that vs. thermostat/bathmat). THANK YOU!!!”

“This is my favorite resource for articulation! Great for older students who may be bored of typical articulation activities.”

“Great product! Perfect for 5-10 minute articulation students needing focused practice on a specific sound with lots of repetition. I appreciate the time put into choosing quality high frequency words, the variety of worksheet formats, and the simplicity of the graphics that allows for creative use of the various worksheets.”

You can check out my bundle of no-prep, high frequency articulation printables by clicking here!

Also, just in case you’re curious, you can also buy each packet separately. I have packets available for:

• F words
• V words
• CH words
• TH words
• L words (and L blends!)
• S words (and S blends!)
• Z words
• SH words
• K words
• G words
• R words (all forms!)

If you have any questions about using high-frequency words in articulation therapy, leave a comment below!

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