Free tool · for parents and SLPs

Minimal pairs generator

Choose the sound pattern you are working on. You get word pairs that contrast the child's likely production with the target, plus the approximate age the pattern usually disappears. Print the pairs or use them in a pointing game.

Phonological process

This tool is general information for families and students. It is not a screening or diagnostic tool, does not give individual advice, and is not a substitute for an assessment by a registered speech-language pathologist. If you are worried about your child's communication, Ontario families can self-refer to their local Preschool Speech and Language Program at no cost.

Sources: Bowen, C. (2011). Table of phonological processes (speech-language-therapy.com); ASHA Practice Portal: Speech Sound Disorders

Frequently asked questions

What are minimal pairs?

Two words that differ by only one sound, such as "tea" and "key". Contrasting them shows a child that the sound change changes the meaning, which is the point of minimal pair therapy for phonological patterns.

How do I use them at home?

Lay both pictures out. Say one word and have the child point to it, then switch roles so the child says a word and you point. If the child says "tea" when they meant "key", point to the tea picture with a puzzled face. The mismatch does the teaching; avoid correcting directly.

Which pattern should we work on?

That is an assessment question. Patterns are usually chosen by how much they affect intelligibility and whether they should have faded by the child's age. The ages shown are approximate elimination ages from the literature.

Go further

Phonological processes explained Word list builder Articulation practice game Intelligibility estimator

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