Phono Learning Center (PLC) is a powerful, evidence-based app designed to help children improve speech sound production using the Cycles Approach. Developed by a certified speech-language pathologist, PLC transforms therapy sessions into playful, goal-driven learning experiences for children with phonological and sound-system disorders.
Phono Learning Center isn’t just another articulation app—it’s rooted in Barbara Hodson’s Cycles Framework, one of the most respected methodologies for treating children who are highly unintelligible. Each word, sound, and activity in PLC is carefully chosen to support co-articulation, phonological pattern development, and intelligibility growth. Whether you follow a true Cycles framework or a traditional therapy model, PLC gives you the flexibility to customize targets and settings for each child’s needs.
Every activity in PLC turns speech therapy into play—boosting motivation and participation while maximizing repetition. Children stay engaged while practicing key targets through four exciting, evidence-based games:
Auditory Bombardment is a cornerstone of the Cycles Approach, and PLC makes it both effective and enjoyable. Children tap floating balloons to hear recordings of target words in a randomized sequence, improving their ability to hear, recognize, and internalize correct sound patterns. As they pop balloons, a score counter keeps track of progress, adding a motivating, game-like challenge. This activity helps children tune their ears to the correct production of sounds before they begin active speech practice—building a strong foundation for later success.
In this uplifting activity, children say a target word, then drag the picture card into a colorful hot-air balloon basket. As the balloon fills with air, it gradually lifts off the screen—rewarding accurate productions with visual excitement and a sense of accomplishment. This game combines movement, sound, and reinforcement to encourage repeated correct productions of target words. SLPs can track each attempt using built-in scoring buttons (correct, almost, or missed) while keeping sessions lively and interactive.
This twist on the classic memory game is designed specifically for speech and language therapy. Children flip cards to find matching pairs of target words—but each turn requires them to say the word aloud, increasing the number of repetitions per session while keeping engagement high. The combination of visual memory and verbal production strengthens recall and reinforces correct articulation. The game adapts easily to various difficulty levels, making it ideal for individual or small group sessions.
A favorite among children, this activity combines physical interaction with speech practice for a dynamic, hands-on experience. Students say their target word, tap to crumple the digital paper, and then swipe to toss it into the basket. A successful shot triggers fun animations and positive reinforcement—encouraging effort and persistence. By integrating speech with movement and reward, the Basket Paper Game keeps children engaged and focused, especially those who benefit from kinesthetic learning.
The Puzzle Game blends speech practice with problem-solving to build focus and anticipation. Each correctly produced word reveals a new piece of a hidden puzzle. As children continue, the full image slowly appears—providing a satisfying sense of completion and progress. This activity encourages repetition without monotony and supports language skills such as descriptive vocabulary, comprehension, and “wh” question practice as children discuss the revealed image.
PLC was built by SLPs, for SLPs. It reflects years of clinical experience and integrates seamlessly into individual or group sessions.
You can:
Work with 1 to 4 students at once
Track progress on multiple utterances per session
Score responses using either Standard Accuracy (missed, almost, correct) or Level of Prompts (prompted, imitated, correct)
Progress tracking is effortless and precise.
Phono Learning Center makes it easy to create customized therapy plans for each student.
Add a new student, select their targets, and tailor every session to match their level and goals — all within seconds.
Based on the evidence-based Cycles Approach
Four engaging therapy games for optimal motivation
Words, carrier phrases, and sentences in every activity
Auditory Bombardment feature for listening practice
Individual and group play options
Data collection by accuracy or level of prompts
High-quality visuals and literacy support
Printable and emailable homework materials
