Mispronunciation

So last night, I was reading with the girl. She's still learning a lot of sounds and phonics, and we've developed hints for certain sounds over time. For example, for the sound that "ow" makes (owl, howl, etc.), we tap her on top of the head to remind her that it says "owwww," the sound you make when someone hurts you.

This reminder worked really well for the boy, but Alyssa likes to mess around with it. So instead of saying "ow" like she KNOWS she's supposed to, she'll sub in the word "hit." I guess that's because I'm hitting her on top of the head. So instead of "h-ow-l" it becomes "hhh-hit-lll," or for mouse, "mmm-hit-sse."  Yeah, a BIT on the frustrating side.

I made the mistake last night of suggesting she use that reminder on the word "shout."

So from our room, you hear the 5 year old saying...

shhh-hittt.
giggle giggle
Shh-hit!
giggle giggle
Shit!
Laugh laugh

Me:  CRINGE CRINGE CRINGE - change subject.  Look, Alyssa - there's something shiny!