Work Smarter, Not Harder: Why SLPs Should Target S Clusters When Using the Cycles Approach!
What is The Cycles Approach?
The Cycles Approach is a widely-used method in speech therapy for children with phonological disorders. It focuses on systematically targeting specific phonological patterns (or processes) in a cyclical manner. Instead of working on a single sound or pattern until it's mastered, the speech therapist introduces multiple patterns, working on each for a set period of time before moving on to the next. This way, all patterns that need to be targeted are revisited in future cycles, providing repeated exposure and practice while ensuring the child’s phonological system develops more broadly.
One of my favorite patterns to target when using the Cycles Approach are S clusters (such as ST or SP). I feel like focusing on S clusters leads to so much progress and a significant increase in overall intelligibility. There are many reasons why S clusters are considered a primary pattern in the Cycles Approach and therefore prioritized for intervention. Let’s check out a few.
Why target S clusters when utilizing the Cycles Approach in speech therapy.
Target Two Phonological Patterns at Once!
The first reason why working on S clusters during the Cycles Approach is so powerful is because by working on S clusters, youc could be addressing two common phonological patterns at once: stopping and cluster reduction. Stopping refers to the substitution of a stop sound (like /t/ or /d/) for a fricative (like /s/ or /z/), and cluster reduction occurs when a child simplifies a consonant cluster (e.g., reducing /st/ to /t/). By targeting S clusters, you're encouraging the child to use the fricative sound while also working on producing the full consonant cluster, effectively targeting two errors simultaneously for greater efficiency.
Use Complexity Theory to Get More Bang for Your Buck!
Additionally, focusing on the more complex S cluster patterns can lead to what's commonly referred to as “trickle-down” generalization. This means that by mastering more difficult sounds or sound combinations, the child may begin to produce simpler sounds (such as singleton fricatives like /s/ or /z/) without needing to target them directly. Since S clusters require accurate fricative production, children often begin to transfer this skill to contexts where they need to produce fricatives alone, reducing the need for separate interventions on singleton sounds. Use can take this theory a step further and begin with targeting the most complex S clusters - like SL and SW - and hopefully see even greater trickle-down effect! (If you’re wondering why SL and SW are the most complex S clusters, read more here.)
Don’t Fight the Phonological Pattern of Stopping!
Interestingly, targeting S clusters may actually be easier for children who struggle with stopping than working on singleton fricatives alone. This is because the stop consonant /t/ in a cluster like ST provides a familiar motor pattern for the child. The child is still able to produce the stop consonant, so they don’t have to fully eliminate the stopping behavior right away. Instead, they learn to integrate the fricative into a cluster, making the transition smoother and more achievable. This strategy capitalizes on the child’s existing speech skills while gradually improving their ability to produce more complex sound combinations.
Target S clusters, not stopping, when using the Cycles Approach in your speech therapy activities.
Learn More About the Cycles Approach
If you want to learn even more about the Cycles Approach, check out these other blog posts and resources listed below!
