ABSTRACT
Speaking, and particularly learning to speak, is a very complex process, demanding the ability to carry out specific movements of one's own volition. In addition, movements have to be sequenced in such a way that the sounds produced blend together to make a word. In his own brain, the child has to decide which word will follow which. Precise and specific movements of the mouth, tongue and lips are necessary for good articulation. If a child has articulation difficulties, the cause may be a lack of mobility of the oro-facial musculature. That is why oro-motor exercises are necessary and helpful at the beginning of phonological therapy. These include: jaw exercises, lip exercises, tongue exercises and blowing exercises. In addition, a general improvement of tongue and lip agility, coordination and movement skills, as well as a decrease of possible tension, is achieved, resulting in more relaxed oro-facial muscles.
