How to encourage early articulation through direct modeling

When trying to teach your child new sounds that they haven't mastered yet, have your child look at your mouth as you say the sound and try to imitate you. For younger kids/toddlers try drawing attention to your mouth by placing a favorite toy or object near your face. For example: when you say "ba ba ba," your child will see your lips pushing together with pressure to make the /b/ sound. This also encourages joint attention with your child which is a foundation for early social communication. You can turn this into a game by introducing it as making silly faces or sounds together.