Guided Practice Script

Now we are going to make the L sound like “llllion”!

First let’s start with an easy sound. (look into a mirror with the child so they can visibly see the difference between the /n/ sound and /l/ sound) Can you say “nnnn”? (their turn) [1]

Good job! Now feel how your tongue touches the roof of your mouth? That’s just behind your top teeth. Now slide your tongue tip to the sides while keeping it behind your teeth. [2]

Let’s try some words together now! “lion” (their turn) “light” (their turn) “leaf” (their turn) “lollipop” (their turn) [3]

Awesome! Remember, your tongue tip goes behind your top teeth and slides to the sides for the /l/ sound!

Target Techniques and Considerations

Techniques in the Script

1. Sound approximation
2. Phonetic Placement with visual feedback
3. Modeling and imitation

Common /l/ Sound Errors

• /w/ or /j/ is often substituted for /l/, likely due to difficulty controlling the tongue tip and lateral airflow. For example, “wion” for “lion”

Accent or Dialect Variation

• In Spanish-influenced English, word-final /l/ may be vocalized to a “w” or “oo” sound.
  • Example: “pool” → “poow”
• Also, in Spanish-influenced English, /l/ may also be replaced by /w/ in some words.
  • Example: “milk” → “miu”