If you’re a speech pathologist working with children who have phonological disorders, you know it can be challenging to help them learn and use the sound system of a language. One effective method to address these issues is the Cycles Approach, developed by Dr. Barbara Hodson and Dr. Elaine Pagel Paden. This method takes a structured yet flexible approach, making it a great tool for helping kids gradually improve their speech. I love how quickly my students make progress, and how clear cut the approach is. Here is an easy start guide to help you get started right now!
What’s the Cycles Approach All About?
The Cycles Approach is based on the idea that kids pick up phonological patterns over time. Instead of working on just one sound or pattern until a child masters it, this method cycles through several phonological targets. Each cycle focuses on a different set of sounds for a few weeks before moving on to the next, regardless of how well the child has done with the current set. This way, all the important patterns get attention, helping the child improve their overall speech.
How to Use the Cycles Approach
Start with an Assessment (I linked mine if you’re interested, but there are lots of options!)
- First, do a thorough phonological assessment to see which speech sounds and patterns the child struggles with the most.
- Set clear goals, focusing on the most important and developmentally appropriate patterns that will make the biggest difference in their speech.
Choose Your Targets for the Cycle, and plan them out (there is a handy planning sheet in this bundle, or you can create your own)
- Pick a few phonological patterns to work on for the first cycle. A cycle usually lasts between 5 and 16 weeks, depending on the child’s needs.
- Within this cycle, select specific sounds that represent the target patterns. For example, if you’re working on final consonant deletion, include words that end in sounds like /p/, /t/, and /k/.
Structure Your Therapy Sessions (everything you need is included in this bundle)
- Review: Start each session by going over what you covered last time.
- Auditory Bombardment: Let the child listen to a list of words containing the target sounds. This helps them get used to hearing the sounds.
- Production Practice: Have the child practice saying the target sounds. Begin with easy, structured tasks and gradually move to more spontaneous speech.
- Phonological Awareness Activities: Do activities that help the child become more aware of sound patterns, like rhyming or breaking words into syllables.
- Stimulability Probing: Check how well the child can produce the target sounds on their own.
- Auditory Bombardment Again: Finish the session with another round of auditory bombardment.
- Home Practice: Give parents simple activities and word lists for their child to practice at home.
Recycle and Progress
- After completing a cycle, reassess the child’s phonological patterns.
- Start a new cycle, revisiting previous targets and adding new ones as needed. Keep cycling through patterns until the child’s speech has significantly improved.
Why the Cycles Approach Works
- Comprehensive Development: By addressing multiple phonological patterns, this approach helps children develop their overall phonological skills rather than just mastering individual sounds.
- Adaptability: You can easily tailor the approach to each child’s progress and needs, adjusting targets and cycle lengths as necessary.
- Natural Learning: The cyclical process mirrors the way children naturally acquire language, making it easier for them to apply what they’ve learned to everyday speech.
Wrapping Up
The Cycles Approach offers a dynamic and effective way to help children with phonological disorders. By focusing on different phonological patterns in cycles, you can provide well-rounded support that encourages lasting improvement. With a clear plan, targeted goals, and consistent practice, you can help children overcome their phonological challenges and develop clearer, more intelligible speech.
A Few Freebies to Help You Out
If you want to try out this approach, drop your email below and I’ll email you a few freebies to help you out!
- Hodson, B. W., & Paden, E. P. (1991). Targeting Intelligible Speech: A Phonological Approach to Remediation. Pro-Ed.
- This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Cycles Approach, its development, and practical application in speech therapy.
- Hodson, B. W. (2010). The Cycles Phonological Remediation Approach. In A. L. Williams, S. McLeod, & R. J. McCauley (Eds.), Interventions for Speech Sound Disorders in Children (pp. 147-180). Brookes Publishing.
- This chapter details the methodology and evidence supporting the Cycles Approach, offering insights into its implementation and effectiveness.
- Prezas, R. F., & Hodson, B. W. (2010). Evaluating evidence: The Cycles Approach for treating phonological disorders in children. Perspectives on Language Learning and Education, 17(1), 8-14. https://doi.org/10.1044/lle17.1.8
- An article evaluating the evidence base for the Cycles Approach, discussing its benefits and application in clinical practice.
- Hodson, B. W. (2011). Evaluating and Enhancing Children’s Phonological Systems: Research and Theory to Practice. Pro-Ed.
- This text bridges research and practical application, offering strategies for evaluating and treating phonological disorders, including the Cycles Approach.
