Easy Language Samples

AI help with SUGAR language sampling

Let's make language samples quicker and easier!  Take me to the calculator 

This website was made possible by the work of Dr. Robert Owens and Dr. Stacey Pavelko.  Their work In language sampling for children ages 3:0 to 10:11 is well researched and normed and you can find all you need to know about the SUGAR language sampling method here.  It would be a great idea to explore that site for the wealth of information on language sampling, and tips on collecting and analyzing the sample. 

But once you have the sample let's save time!  This counter/calculator will take your transcript and give you a table which compares your student to the norms.  It will tell you If your student is above (meets criterion) or below (does not meet criterion) 2 standard deviations below the mean.  We hope to soon have more detailed Information on where the student exactly falls.  

If you are used to sampling language using SALT or other Informal methods, the SUGAR system is different.  It does not necessarily dig deep Into language and morphological forms, although you certainly can do that.  Neither does It look at antecedents (what was said prior to the student's utterance), but of course, you can do that If you like.  The SUGAR website has very detailed Information on how to analyze the sample through subanalysis If you like.  It also has great Information, Including videos on developing Intervention plans.  

What It does do Is look at Important markers of complexity (MLU, clauses per sentence and total number of words) to give a measureable picture of the student's language.  It's very helpful for comparing apples to apples as you go through treatment.  

Since It Is free and easy to do, you can easily use It as a probe to measure progress In these areas throughout the year.  

Once you have your transcript copied, go here to find the calculator.  You will copy and paste it into the website.  The only additional Information you need is the chronological age of the student you are analyzing.  

If you need tips on collecting your transcript, you can find them here. 

To find guidelines on preparing your transcript, you can find that here 

To see how the Information can be put Into your reports, go here.  

To get answers to frequently asked questions, find them here.  

If you find an error or have a question about how the transcript Is analyzed, please email the developers of the calculator at digitalmetricsfortheslp@gmail.com