Mastering S Clusters with Forward and Backward Chaining Using the Bjorem Speech® S Cluster Elicitation Bundle
Teaching S clusters can be a challenge for many children with speech sound disorders. Whether a child struggles with cluster reduction (leaving out the /s/) or has difficulty sequencing sounds, forward and backward chaining can be powerful techniques to build confidence and accuracy. The Bjorem Speech® S Cluster Elicitation Bundle provides engaging and functional visuals to support these methods effectively.
What is Forward and Backward Chaining?
Forward chaining and backward chaining are structured methods used to break down complex words into manageable parts.
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Forward chaining: The child begins by practicing the first part of the word and gradually adds more sounds until they can produce the full word.
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Backward chaining: The child starts with the end of the word and works backward, progressively adding more sounds.
Both approaches help children develop motor planning skills and increase their confidence by focusing on success at each step.
Voiced and Voiceless Plosives in Deck 2... Why?
You may notice that there are both voiced and voiceless plosives in Deck 2 of this bundle. This is because the sounds /k, p, t/ are all aspirated voiceless plosives. For example, you can feel the aspiration in your palm if you say /p/. However, in environments such as 's' clusters, these sounds are relatively unaspirated, making them sound more like their voiced cognates /g, b, d/. Using a voiced consonant may help children who have motor planning difficulties. Due to coarticulation, a word like "spin" is produced with an unaspirated /p/ which sounds more like a /b/ within s clusters. We suggest you probe whether the voiceless or voiced phoneme sounds more natural for your student.
Watch this video to see more inside the deck and HOW to use forward and backward chaining:
Forward and backward chaining are fantastic tools to help children master S clusters in a structured, confidence-building way. The Bjorem Speech® S Cluster Elicitation Bundle makes it fun, engaging, and effective by providing clear, functional visuals that support the learning process.
Give these techniques a try and watch your students connect sounds with confidence!
