Why is it so tricky for some students to make the jump from using their articulation sounds in sentences to using those sounds in conversation? If you have been hanging out with me for a bit, you know that I have pondered this question before. You would also know that I came up with some great activities to help bridge this daunting gap.
I especially wonder about those students who consistently use their sound 80% of the time in my room, but then their accuracy decreases significantly as soon as my face stops being their visual cue.
Unfortunately, just one or two amazing activities won’t cut it. These students often need significant repetition and a new challenge.
This is where articulation memorization passages come in.
Here is why I love memorization passages for articulation carryover.
- It challenges the student to think about two things simultaneously: articulation and memorizing. This extra challenge helps the student learn to monitor their speech while concentrating on something difficult.
- Memory activities can improve focus. Oftentimes, these students forget to use their sounds because they are distracted by the demands outside of the speech room. This is one way to try and combat that.
- It is a great way to expose students to poetry and literary works from other cultures.
- Exposes students to new and unfamiliar vocabulary
- OR it can be a great way to engage students by memorizing songs or media they find interesting.
- They are great for mixed groups. Memorization is a skill everyone benefits from.
Ok, have I won you over on the benefits of memorization excerpts to help students carry over their articulation skills to conversation? Cool.
Now, let’s talk about using memorization strategically.
Memorizing something completely new is daunting-even for adults. So I recommend following a few guidelines when introducing this skill.
- Start easy. Use short, easy-to-remember poems or excerpts most students know, such as The Pledge of Allegiance.
- Read the excerpt for the student the first time through. This takes the pressure off reading any unknown words and allows the student to focus on listening for his/her sound.
- Memorize in small chunks, and work your way up to the complete passage. Take multiple sessions if needed.
- Make it fun by being silly and encouraging. Try to memorize the passage with your student(s).
- Make it a challenge. Can they say the excerpt 3x, getting faster each time, while also keeping their articulation accurate?
If you have also been struggling with finding amazing articulation carryover activities, I hope you will give memorization activities a try. I think you will find them to be just the tool you need to help your students progress to the next level.