Easy vs Hard Onset Sort
Sort ten words by whether you would start them with an easy onset strategy.
Drop here
Drop here
0/10 sorted
How to run it
Open the board, skim the list once, and pick a starting item such as apple. Model the target skill once, then let the student try before you advance. Keep turns short: one item, quick feedback, next item. If attention drops, hide half the set and finish with the strongest items. Note accuracy in your session log; the game advances on every attempt so you judge the response.
Cueing ladder
Start at the top. Add support one step at a time.
- IndependentThe student uses their fluency technique on their own. Listen without reminding.Log as correct
- Visual reminderPoint to the picture or card that stands for the technique.Log as cued
- Verbal reminderSay a short reminder, such as 'Use your smooth speech.'Log as cued
- ModelSay it yourself using the technique; the student copies, then tries the card again.Log as cued
Adjust it
Go back to shorter turns: single words or two-word phrases.
Move to longer turns, a new listener, or a little time pressure.
Matching IEP goal
Student will use their fluency technique in structured practice in 8 of 10 opportunities across 3 consecutive sessions, given no more than a visual reminder.
Send it home through the parent portal →About this activity
Easy vs Hard Onset Sort packs practice on easy versus hard speech onsets. Stimuli include apple and school, chosen so you can hear whether the skill shows up in real items, not only on a demo card. It fits grades 2 through 8 students in a short clinic block or a push-in rotation.
What to listen for
Listen for whether easy versus hard speech onsets appears on apple and on less familiar words too. Notice if errors cluster on one pattern or show up everywhere. Watch whether the student self-corrects after your model or needs the same cue each time. A student who succeeds on school but not on apple may be using memory rather than the skill you are targeting.
Carrying it home
Send home two words from the board, such as apple and school, with one sentence about how to practice. Families can say the word, pause, and let the child respond without rushing. Short, daily practice beats a long weekend session. Ask the caregiver to note which words felt easy so you can adjust next time.
What's in this activity
- Easy onset friendly
- Needs more planning
Questions
- Who is this for?
- Grades 2 through 8 students working on easy versus hard speech onsets, including push-in and small-group sessions.
- Is it free?
- Yes. It plays in the browser with no login. An account adds session data and assignment to a student.
Use this board with your caseload
With a free account, every correct, cued and incorrect mark is saved to the student and scored against their IEP goal, with the data written up for you. Assign it as home practice through the parent portal.
Track progress freeFree for SLPs. No card, no trial clock.