Phonological Processing
What is phonological processing?
Phonological processing describes the ways a child hears, remembers, and works with the sounds in speech. It includes several related skills: hearing syllables and rhymes, breaking words into smaller sounds (segmenting), putting sounds together to make words (blending), holding sounds in memory long enough to use them (phonological memory), and quickly naming familiar items (rapid naming). These skills are the building blocks for clear speech, learning to read, and spelling.
Why it matters
When children can easily notice and manipulate sounds, they usually learn to read and spell more smoothly, follow spoken directions, and communicate confidently. If these skills are weak or developing unevenly, kids may struggle with sounding out new words, remembering unfamiliar words, or producing precise speech sounds. Strengthening phonological processing helps children access classroom learning and feel more successful with language tasks.
What to expect in therapy or coaching
Assessment: We begin with a friendly, play-based evaluation that looks at how your child hears and plays with sounds. This may include listening games, rhyming and segmenting activities, a speech sample, and questions about reading or classroom challenges. We’ll share clear observations and practical next steps, not labels or long reports.
Sessions: Therapy is age-appropriate and activity-based. For toddlers and preschoolers, work often looks like songs, nursery rhymes, and sound play. School-age children usually do structured games that target blending, segmenting, and memory, plus activities that connect sound work to reading and spelling. Teens receive strategies that fit academics and self-advocacy.
Family and classroom coaching: We partner with parents and teachers so skill practice fits into everyday routines—storytime, homework, and play. You won’t get one-size-fits-all homework; instead we give short, doable activities that fit your child’s interests and your schedule.
Monitoring progress: We set clear goals, track small gains, and adjust activities as your child grows. Improvements can be gradual, and practice in real-life settings matters as much as clinic work.
Every child is different. Therapy focuses on making sound skills stronger and giving families tools to practice, but it does not promise specific outcomes or timelines.
Simple things you can try at home
- Read aloud and pause for rhymes: ask your child what sounds the words start or end with.
- Play rhyming and clapping games to build sound awareness.
- Break words into syllables during play: “ba-na-na” while tossing a ball.
- Use quick, fun practice—two to five minutes several times a day beats long, infrequent drills.
When to consider support
- Your child has trouble rhyming, blending, or breaking words into sounds.
- Reading or spelling is harder than expected for their grade or age.
- Teachers report difficulty with following multi-step verbal instructions.
- Your child avoids talking, reading aloud, or tries to skip language tasks because they’re frustrating.
How we help
- Friendly, play-based assessment that identifies specific sound skills to target.
- Short, engaging therapy sessions that connect sound work to reading and speech.
- Practical home and classroom strategies tailored to your child’s routine.
- Regular progress checks and clear guidance for parents and teachers.
If you’re worried about how your child is handling sound-based tasks, we’re here to listen and offer approachable support. Small, consistent steps often make daily language and learning easier for the whole family.