What phonemes should be mastered by age 4?

By age 4, children typically master phonemes that include t, ʃ (as in "sh"), and j (as in "y"). These sounds are generally acquired early in speech development, and by the time children reach the age of 4, they are expected to produce these phonemes clearly and consistently in their speech. This mastery is important for effective communication, as these sounds are common in everyday language and essential for forming many words.

In contrast, the other options include sounds that are usually mastered at later stages. For instance, the phonemes s, v, ŋ, r, and l are often acquired after the age of 4, mainly because they involve more complex articulatory movements. Similarly, θ and ð (the "th" sounds), as well as ʒ (as in "measure"), are also typically learned after the age of 4, as they can be more challenging for young children to articulate correctly. The sounds m, w, g, f, and d are usually mastered earlier, often by age 3 or even earlier in some cases, but they do not encapsulate the broader range of phonemic skills required by age 4. Thus, the correct choice highlights phonemes that