# Minimal Pairs

> Auditory discrimination activity for children with speech intelligibility issues. (iPhone/iPad app by Learning Fundamentals, Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minimal-pairs/id506904592 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Learning Fundamentals, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/454061076)
- Category: Education
- Price: $5.99
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 22 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2012-03-09
- Data updated: 2026-06-05
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minimal-pairs/id506904592/reviews.md

## What is Minimal Pairs?

Minimal Pairs is an auditory discrimination activity that helps children discriminate between words that differ in pronunciation by one sound. They learn to hear the difference between words like “stop - top” and “rake - wake”. They are prompted to “Show Me” the target word by tapping on the colorful pictures and listening for the sounds in the target word and a foil. 

This app uses a phonological approach to remediating speech that is based on the ideas of Hodson and Paden. The program focuses on target patterns rather than target phonemes. One pattern is targeted for a limited time, two to four weeks, then the next pattern is targeted. Hodson and Paden called this method of introducing patterns a “cycle”.

A clear speech model is presented for the child to imitate and they can record and play back their own speech. The clinician can choose from  three scoring methods. 1. Score each response as correct, distorted or incorrect. 2. Score responses as correct, distorted, substituted, or omitted. 3. Score productions based on whether they are  spontaneously correct/incorrect or imitatively correct/incorrect.

This app focuses on Final Consonants, Initial Consonants, and Initial /S/ Clusters. Appropriate for children ages 3-5 with impaired speech intelligibility.

This app uses the content from the Minimal Pairs game from LocuTour’s Phonology CD.

## Key features

- Auditory discrimination of minimal pairs
- Phonological approach (Hodson & Paden)
- Cycle method for targeting patterns
- Record and playback speech
- Multiple scoring methods for clinicians
- Focus on Final Consonants, Initial Consonants, Initial /S/ Clusters

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minimal-pairs/id506904592/reviews.md

### 1/5 — SLP

*2012-05-27*

Just down loaded this app. Looked promising.  Every time I press the play button the app closes.  Not happy after spending the money for this app. Please fix this glitch!!

## Frequently asked questions about Minimal Pairs

### What is the main learning method used by Minimal Pairs?

Minimal Pairs utilizes a phonological approach based on the ideas of Hodson and Paden. This method focuses on targeting specific speech patterns in a "cycle" for a limited time, rather than individual phonemes.

### What specific speech patterns does Minimal Pairs focus on?

The app specifically targets Final Consonants, Initial Consonants, and Initial /S/ Clusters. This focused approach helps children with impaired speech intelligibility.

### Can clinicians customize the scoring in Minimal Pairs?

Yes, clinicians can choose from three different scoring methods within the app. These methods allow for detailed assessment of each response as correct, distorted, substituted, or omitted.

### What age group is Minimal Pairs designed for?

Minimal Pairs is appropriate for children aged 3-5 years old. It is specifically beneficial for those with impaired speech intelligibility.

### Does Minimal Pairs offer a free trial or demo?

The provided data indicates that Minimal Pairs is a paid application priced at $5.99. There is no mention of a free trial or demo period.

### How often is Minimal Pairs updated?

The latest version of Minimal Pairs was updated on June 16, 2025. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, this indicates ongoing support and development.

### What devices is Minimal Pairs compatible with?

Minimal Pairs is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed for Apple's mobile operating system.

### Does Minimal Pairs have ads?

No, Minimal Pairs does not contain advertisements. The app is a paid download and does not include any in-app ads.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0.7 — 2025-06-16

Updated for new devices.

### 2.0.6 — 2022-02-17

Updated for new screen sizes.

### 2.0.4 — 2018-12-28

Updated the display for new devices.
Fixed a crash when recording permission is not given to the app.

### 2.0.2 — 2018-04-17

Fixed an issue with granting recording permission to the app.
Cleaned up the screens a bit.

### 2.0 — 2017-12-13

Update for iOS 11 and new devices.

## Apps similar to Minimal Pairs

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| [Speech Therapy Apraxia Endings](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speech-therapy-apraxia-endings/id1632778788) | 5.0 (3) | $9.99 | Education |
| [Learn Prepositions Quiz Games](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-prepositions-quiz-games/id1468287559) | — | $2.99 | Education |
| [Flashcards - Helping Verbs](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flashcards-helping-verbs/id1146279784) | — | $0.99 | Education |
| [My Articulation: Initial L](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/my-articulation-initial-l/id1294040391) | — | $2.99 | Education |
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## More apps by Learning Fundamentals, Inc.

- [FAA Glossaries](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/faa-glossaries/id454061073)
- [Show Me…](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/show-me/id510986188)
- [Articulation IV](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/articulation-iv/id515128379)
- [Phonology](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonology/id520865935)
- [Artic Practice](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/artic-practice/id520874877)

All apps by Learning Fundamentals, Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/454061076

## Related topics

[minimal pairs](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/minimal-pairs)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-05.*
