Which type of assessment involves evaluating a child's ability to stress syllables in words and sentences?

The evaluation of a child's ability to stress syllables in words and sentences is primarily associated with the assessment of the melody of speech. This type of assessment focuses on the prosodic features of speech, which include intonation, rhythm, and stress patterns. It is essential for understanding how a child uses pitch variations and loudness to convey meaning and emotions in their speech.

When assessing the melody of speech, therapists examine how well a child can place emphasis on certain syllables within words, or how they modulate their speech patterns during sentences. This ability is crucial for effective communication, as proper syllable stress can alter the meaning of words and improve overall speech intelligibility. Thus, evaluating how a child manages these prosodic elements provides valuable insights into their communicative abilities and potential areas for further development in speech therapy.