Minimal Pairs Academy 6.0

The Minimal Pairs Academy (MPA) offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach for speech-language pathologists and parents managing phonological sound disorders in children. This app provides tools aimed at enhancing listening abilities and discrimination skills, making the process engaging for both therapists and children as they practice word and phrase production.

The application employs linguistically-informed treatment strategies that are supported by current literature indicating efficacy in addressing multiple sound disorders (Saben & Ingham, 1991). It is essential to note that children exhibiting various sound errors may not struggle solely with the physical articulation of these sounds; rather, they often encounter challenges using sounds contrastively as phonemes, which can result in the creation of homophones. These phonological "errors" are techniques used to simplify adult speech known as phonological processes.

Traditionally, the minimal pair treatment model includes pairing an incorrectly produced sound with its corresponding substitute, a strategy demonstrating clinical effectiveness (Barlow and Gierut, 2002). MPA focuses on the 23 most prevalent phonological processes through two primary activities: auditory discrimination and production. As defined by Gierut (2002), "A minimal pair is a set of words that differ by a single phoneme, whereby that difference is enough to signal a change in meaning."

The application's animated introduction enriches the experience of minimal pair activities. With over 900 words organized into 23 distinct pairs, MPA features four varied activities:

• Auditory Bombardment: Children are exposed to multiple words alongside auditory and visual clues regarding their meanings.
• Auditory Discrimination: Children must identify target words by discriminating between sounds.
• Production: Children view a target image while speech therapists can display the associated minimal pair if necessary for correct articulation.
• Phrase Completion: Children are tasked with selecting a target image to complete provided phrases.

MPA's data tracking features are highly advanced compared to traditional speech therapy applications. The results can be analyzed in four distinct modes:

• Overall data/session;
• A graphical representation of progress over time;
• Comprehensive student statistics, including time spent in therapy, age, and processes addressed or mastered;

As children progress through the targeted processes, they receive a "mastered" stamp for tracking advancement. Results can be shared via email or printed directly from an iPad if connected to an AirPrint-ready printer.

While positioned prominently within the app store marketplace, MPA stands out as a notably comprehensive tool for minimal pairs practice. Additional resources and video demonstrations can be accessed on their website at www.smartyearsapps.com.

Smarty Ears is also affiliated with Moms with Apps, a collaborative network focused on promoting quality applications designed for families and children.

References:

1. Gordon-Braman, M. & Weiss, C. E. (2007). Clinical management of articulatory and phonologic disorders. Retrieved October 1, 2008, from http://books.google.com/books?id=txBpIyIhx8c
2. Barlow & Gierut. (2002). Minimal Pair Approaches to Phonological Remediation. Retrieved from www.iub.edu/~sndlrng/papers/BarlowGierut%2002.pdf
3. Saben & Ingham (1991). The Effects of Minimal Pairs Treatment on the Speech Sound Production of Two Children With Phonologic Disorders. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.