Acoustic Highlighting – Handout & Video Examples

How do I get my child interested in different sounds or words?

• Acoustic highlighting is placing emphasis on certain words or sounds by changing the way you say them
• Acoustic highlighting can be achieved by:
  • slight pause before saying the target,
  • speaking the target with more emphasis,
  • decreasing the intensity by whisper,
  • changing the pitch, or
  • increasing the duration.

Learn more about this strategy here.

Shelby draws attention to the repeated word “not” and animal names using acoustic highlighting. Listen as she draws out the duration of selected target words and increases the intensity to emphasize this new vocabulary. Story begins at 1 minute, 39 seconds.

Marybeth has identified her new vocabulary targets as vehicles and animals (and the Learning to Listen sounds associated with them). She acoustically highlights this new vocabulary through use of a “sing song” voice thereby drawing a child’s attention to that novel word. Story begins at 1 minute, 16 seconds.

Each individual child’s response is unique and your B-3 provider can help you further understand your child’s responses based on their age development and listening experience.

Other activities/routines to incorporate acoustic highlighting:

• Using a sing song voice
• When doing laundry try highlighting the plural -s (one sock, two socks) or the color of different pieces of clothing (red shirt) or who it belongs to (Daddy’s pants)
• Highlight new vocabulary when cooking (stir, mix, chop)

These strategies are meant to be incorporated into daily routines and activities. We suggest working with your B-3 provider to generate more ideas about how to practice this strategy at home with your child!