# Mic Recognition Speech Games for Toddlers

Little Wheels Talk & Listen features sound-based mic recognition games that detect phoneme production—not word recognition—making speech practice engaging and frustration-free.

## How Mic Recognition Works

### Sound Recognition, Not Word Recognition
Talk & Listen uses mic recognition to detect SOUNDS, not specific words. This is an important distinction:

- **Word recognition**: Expects exact word ("say 'banana'")
- **Sound recognition**: Detects target phoneme (/b/ sound)

### Why Sound Recognition is Better for Toddlers

1. **No failure states**: Any /b/ production counts, even approximations
2. **Encourages attempts**: Children aren't penalized for pronunciation errors
3. **Focuses on articulation**: The goal is sound production, not vocabulary recall
4. **Reduces frustration**: No "wrong answer" when child tries

## Game Types

### Phoneme Detection Games
- Child selects a target sound (e.g., /g/)
- Game presents visual prompts (garbage truck, grape, go)
- Mic listens for /g/ sound production
- Any /g/ attempt triggers positive feedback

### Call-and-Response Games
- App plays: "Can you say 'go'?"
- Child responds with any /g/ production
- Mic detects the target phoneme
- Celebration animation plays

### Sound Matching Games
- Multiple sound options displayed
- Child produces a sound
- Game identifies which phoneme was produced
- Matches to correct vehicle/word

## Technical Approach

### What the Mic Detects
- Phoneme characteristics (voicing, place, manner)
- Sound duration and intensity
- Approximate match to target sound

### What the Mic Does NOT Do
- Store recordings
- Send audio to servers
- Require internet connection
- Judge pronunciation "correctness"

### Privacy-First Design
- All processing happens on-device
- No audio is saved or transmitted
- Works 100% offline
- No account required

## Benefits for Speech Practice

### For Late Talkers
- Encourages any vocalization attempt
- Builds confidence through success
- No pressure for "perfect" pronunciation
- Celebrates effort, not just accuracy

### For Phoneme Practice
- Targets specific sounds
- Provides immediate feedback
- Allows extended practice (25+ minutes per sound)
- Supports SLP therapy goals

### For Parents
- No need to judge pronunciation
- App provides consistent feedback
- Reduces "teaching" pressure
- Makes practice feel like play

## Comparison to Other Apps

### Speech Blubs Approach
- Video modeling (watch and imitate)
- No mic recognition
- Passive viewing component

### Articulation Station Approach
- SLP-focused tools
- Recording for playback
- Clinical interface

### Talk & Listen Approach
- Sound-based mic recognition
- Vehicle-themed engagement
- No-failure design
- Toddler-friendly interface

## How to Use Mic Games

### Getting Started
1. Open Talk & Listen
2. Navigate to Phoneme Practice (Layer 3)
3. Select target sound from soundboard
4. Enable mic when prompted
5. Practice sounds with visual prompts

### Tips for Success
- Find a quiet environment
- Hold device at comfortable distance
- Encourage any sound attempt
- Celebrate all productions

## Related Resources
- Phoneme practice guides: littlewheels.app/llm/phoneme-practice-[sound].txt
- Talk & Listen app: littlewheels.app/apps/talk-listen
- Late talker guide: littlewheels.app/llm/late-talker-guide.txt

## About Little Wheels
Little Wheels Talk & Listen features mic recognition games that detect phoneme production, not word recognition. 300+ words, 25+ minutes per sound, SLP-informed methodology. One-time $4.99, 100% offline.