High Frequency Word List

This includes all high-frequency words because of the research that supports these being more effective for generalization to treated and untreated sounds (Morrisette & Gierut, 2002 & Storkel & Morrisette, 2002). In general, the researchers have suggested that high frequency words are better treatment targets because they require significantly less processing than unfamiliar words. Therefore, they are more resistant to slips of the tongue. Nonsense words are still viable targets for children with significant sound disorders because their current productions of these targets may be "frozen." These words could be utilized to break the pattern and help the child produce the target sound. After the child can produce the sound, it is advisable to practice this sound in high-frequency words.

The attached document also includes both high- and low-density words. The density of a word is the number of phonetic counterparts the word has if you add, delete or substitute a sound.

For example, the word "feet" has ten counterparts in its neighborhood, including fleet, meet, fee, eat, foot, fate, fight, fit, fat and fete. "Feet" is considered a low density word because it has ten or fewer counterparts. Words with 11 or more counterparts are considered to be high density. Typically, these are words that sound like a lot of other words, such as word family members. The researchers have posited that it's best to balance lists with both high and low density words because each kind facilitates a different aspect of generalization (untreated vs. treated sounds).

The recommendations differ according to the kind of sound disorder the child presents with. For students with phonological disorders, it is recommended that you select five low-density words and five high- density words for the most ideal, balanced targets for a given sound. For students working on one or two sounds, the focus should be on low-density words because research has suggested that these words promote greater generalization to the treated sounds. There are several references at the end of the handout if you are interested in reading more about this line of thought.

Click here to download High Frequency Word List

Click here to return to the Resources Page

Linksgrower