Young children often mispronounce words with the /k/ sound. Children usually replace the /k/ sound with a /t/ sound. For instance, instead of saying ‘car’, the child may say ‘tar’ or instead of saying ‘cat’, the child may say ‘tat’. This is normal for a 2 year old child.
However, children around the age of 3 1/2 years of age, would usually be able to say the /k/ sound clearly.
You can try some of these tricks if your child is unable to say the /k/ sound:
– Start with the single sound /k/
It will be easier for your child to try saying the single sound /k/ before saying a word with the /k/ sound (e.g.: bike, cold).
– Explain to your child using the support of a mirror
The /k/ sound is pronounced by lifting the back of the tongue to the roof of the mouth. Children who are replacing the /k/ sound with the /t/ sound are usually lifting the front of the tongue instead of the back of the tongue. You can explain to your child that he/ she needs to lift the back of the tongue. You can use a mirror to support the child by showing them what is going on with the tongue in the mouth. When your child lifts the back of the tongue, praise by saying “Well done! I saw your tongue go up in the back.”
– Lie on the back
Get your child to lay on the back on the floor. Your child’s tongue will typically fall to the back of the mouth. Then encourage your child to try saying the /k/ sound keeping the tongue at the back. Praise your child for trying!
If your child manages to say the /k/ sound whilst keeping the tongue back, you can encourage them to put the /k/ sound in words and practise saying a few words. It will take time for your child to say it correctly in conversation. Always keep practise relaxed, fun and provide your child with positive feedback.
The above tricks may work for some children. However, if after trying a few times you notice that your child is struggling to make the /k/ sound, do see a speech pathologist for support and advice.
Written by Tasneem Abdul Samad – Speech Pathologist at De Silva Kids Clinic
