Speech Sounds
Why They Matter and How We Make ‘Em
Free Parent Guides
Why Are Speech Sounds Important?
Speech sounds are like puzzle pieces that make up words. When kids can say sounds clearly, they’re better understood by friends, teachers, and family, which helps them feel confident and included. Clear speech also supports reading and writing, as kids learn to connect sounds to letters. For some children, like those with lisps or other speech challenges, practicing specific sounds can make a big difference in how easily they express themselves.
Every speech sound is made by moving parts of our mouth—like our tongue, lips, teeth, and vocal cords—together in a special way. For example, the /f/ sound comes from blowing air between your lips and teeth, while the /z/ sound adds a buzzy vibration from your vocal cords. These movements are like a dance your mouth does to create each sound! Sometimes, kids might use their mouth differently (like poking their tongue out for a lisp), which can make sounds unclear. Our guides help you teach your child the right “mouth moves” for each sound in a fun, playful way.
Have you ever thought about how your child plans those mouth movements? According to Levelt’s model of speech production (a fancy way of explaining how we talk), there’s a planning stage before any sound comes out. Your brain choreographs every step of the speech dance—deciding when to move the tongue up, when to turn on the voice, or when to blow air. It’s like planning a dance routine where the tongue, lips, jaw, and vocal cords all have to move together (or not!) in perfect harmony.
For some kids, especially those with motor speech disorders (like apraxia or dysarthria), this planning can be tricky. It’s as if the tongue, lips, and jaw haven’t learned to dance independently. For example, the tongue might feel “stuck” to the jaw, moving with it instead of on its own, like dancers who haven’t mastered their solo steps. This lack of independence, or “degrees of freedom,” can make it hard to produce clear sounds. With practice, though, kids can learn to control each part of their mouth separately, making their speech dance smoother and more precise. Isn’t it amazing how complex and fascinating this process is?
Levelt’s model of speech production helps us understand this amazing process. Developed by psycholinguist Willem Levelt, this model explains the steps our brain takes to plan and produce speech, from choosing words to making sounds like /f/ or /s/. For parents helping kids with speech sounds, knowing about this “speech dance” can make it easier to support your child, especially if they have challenges like motor speech disorders.
What Is Levelt’s Model?
Levelt’s model describes speech as a step-by-step process, like planning a dance performance. Each step builds on the last to turn an idea into spoken words. Here’s how it works in a way that’s easy to understand:
The Idea (Conceptualizing)
First, your child decides what they want to say, like “I want to talk about my pet fish.” This is like picking the theme of the dance—deciding what the performance will be about.
Choosing Words (Lexical Selection)
Next, their brain picks the right words, like “fish,” “swim,” or “fun.” It’s like choosing the dance moves that fit the theme, pulling them from a mental “word dictionary.”
Building Sentences (Grammatical Encoding)
The brain puts those words into a sentence, like “My fish swims.” This is like arranging the dance moves into a sequence, making sure they flow together.
Planning Sounds (Phonological Encoding)
Now, the brain breaks the words into speech sounds, like /f/ for “fish” or /s/ for “swims.” It’s like planning the specific steps for each dancer—tongue, lips, or vocal cords—and how they’ll move.
The Motor Plan (Articulation)
Here’s where the mouth takes center stage! The brain sends a detailed plan to the articulators (tongue, lips, jaw, vocal cords) to make the sounds. For example, for /f/, the top teeth touch the bottom lip and air blows out. This is the actual dance performance, where every part of the mouth moves in sync (or not, depending on the sound). The tongue might lift, the vocal cords might buzz (for /z/ but not /f/), or the lips might round—it’s all perfectly choreographed.
Speaking and Listening (Self-Monitoring)
As your child speaks, their brain listens to check if the sounds came out right, like a dancer watching their own performance to stay on beat. If something’s off, they might try again.
Why Is This Dance So Complicated?
Each speech sound, like /f/ or /s/, requires a unique combination of movements. The tongue, lips, jaw, and vocal cords have to work together or stay out of the way, all at the right time. For example:
For /f/, the top teeth touch the bottom lip, air blows out, and the vocal cords stay quiet.
For /z/, the tongue gets close to the roof of the mouth, air hisses through, and the vocal cords buzz. It’s like each sound has its own dance routine, and the brain plans every step in a split second!
Levelt’s model shows that the motor planning stage (articulation) is especially tricky because it’s where the brain tells each articulator exactly what to do. Imagine a dance where one dancer (the tongue) needs to move up while another (the jaw) stays still. If the timing or moves are off, the sound might not come out clearly.
Motor Speech Disorders: When the Dance Gets Tricky
For kids with motor speech disorders, like apraxia or dysarthria, the motor planning stage can be a challenge. It’s as if the dancers (tongue, lips, jaw) haven’t learned to move independently. For example, the tongue might feel “stuck” to the jaw, moving with it instead of on its own, like dancers who can’t do solo steps. This lack of “degrees of freedom” makes it hard to produce clear sounds. In apraxia, the brain struggles to plan the movements, even though the muscles are strong. In dysarthria, the muscles themselves might be weak, making the dance sluggish or uncoordinated.
This is why practicing specific sounds, like those in our guides, is so important. It helps kids train their articulators to move separately and follow the brain’s choreography, step by step. With time and practice, the tongue can learn to lift without the jaw moving, or the lips can shape sounds on their own, making speech clearer.
Why This Matters for Parents
Understanding Levelt’s model helps you see why speech practice is like teaching a dance routine. Each sound your child practices (/f/, /s/, or /z/) is a chance to fine-tune their motor planning and help their articulators move more independently.
If your child has a motor speech disorder, a speech therapist can tailor exercises to their needs, and our guides can support practice at home. It’s amazing to think about how much goes into every word your child says—and how you can help them shine in their speech performance!
THE GUIDES
Dive into the guides below and start buzzing, hissing, or popping those sounds with your child today!
Let’s make speech practice a fun adventure.
Parent-Friendly
No complicated jargon—just tips you can use right away.
Fun for Kids
Activities are designed to keep your child engaged and giggling.
Speechie Made
Based on proven techniques to help kids master tricky sounds.
We’ve helped hundreds of kids speak clearly.
It’s easier when you know how!
If you want to know how a sound is made, we explain the process so you can support your child’s progress with confidence.
Each guide breaks down how to teach a specific speech sound, like /s/ or /z/, in a way that’s clear, kid-friendly, and stress-free.
Kids learn best when they’re having fun. These guides are packed with games, silly activities, and simple steps you can do together.
The Guides: Speech Sounds
Pick a sound your child is working on, follow the steps, and practice for 5–10 minutes a day. Add in the fun games and activities to keep it exciting! If your child is seeing a speech therapist, these guides can complement their work at home. Always check with your therapist for personalised advice, especially if your child has specific needs like an interdental lisp (where the tongue pokes out between the teeth).
We will keep adding to these guides – check back if your sound isn’t up yet.
The /d/ sound is that crisp, tapping sound you hear in words like “dog,” “duck,” and “dance.” It’s like a drumbeat in the mouth! Let’s make it fun and easy with these playful steps to help your child master the /d/ sound.
Steps to Teach the /d/ Sound
Open Mouth, Ready to Tap
Ask your child to open their mouth slightly, like they’re about to take a small bite. This gets their mouth ready for the /d/ sound. Say, “Open your mouth like you’re ready to drum a beat!”
Tongue Tip Taps Up
Tell your child to tap the tip of their tongue quickly against the bumpy spot just behind their top front teeth (the alveolar ridge). The rest of the tongue stays relaxed. You can say, “Make your tongue tip tap like it’s dancing on a drum!”
Add a Voice Pop
The /d/ sound is a quick tap with a voiced pop, like a short drumbeat. Ask your child to tap their tongue and let their voice hum briefly to make a “dddd” sound. It’s different from /t/, which has no voice. Say, “Tap and hum like you’re drumming a dog’s name!”
Feel the Tap
Have your child practice the /d/ sound by feeling the quick tongue tap. You can have them touch their throat to feel the voice vibration or listen for the short, voiced pop. Say, “Make your tongue tap like a speedy drummer!”
Try Fun /d/ Words
Start with easy words like “dog,” “door,” or “duck.” Make it a game: “Let’s tap /d/ sounds like it’s dancing to a song!” If they struggle, remind them to tap just the tongue tip quickly and add voice.
Mirror Magic
Practice in front of a mirror so your child can see their tongue tip tapping. Say, “Look at your tongue drumming up! Is your voice humming?” This helps them check their position and have fun.
Keep It Playful and Short
Keep practice light to avoid frustration! Short 5–10 minute sessions work best. Try silly games like pretending to be drumming dogs or tapping /d/ sounds to “march” a toy across the table.
Tips for Success
Model the /d/ sound yourself, exaggerating the tongue tap and voiced hum, and say, “See how my tongue taps and hums?” Encourage your child to copy you. If they’re having trouble, check that only the tongue tip taps and the voice is on (unlike /t/). A speech therapist can offer extra tips if needed.
Fun Activity: /d/ Sound Dancing Game
Gather toys or pictures of things that start with /d/, like a dog, drum, or door. Practice saying each word with a crisp /d/ sound as you “drum” them with your tongue. Say, “Let’s tap /d/ like we’re dancing with drums!”
The /f/ sound is that breezy, airy sound you hear in words like “fish,” “fun,” and “flower.” It’s a super cool sound to learn, and with a few simple steps, your child will be saying it clearly in no time! Let’s make it fun and easy with these playful tips.
Steps to Teach the /f/ Sound
Top Teeth on Bottom Lip
Ask your child to gently place their top teeth on their bottom lip, like they’re giving their lip a tiny hug. This is the special position for /f/. Say, “Let’s make your teeth give your lip a little high-five!”
Keep the Tongue Relaxed
Tell your child to let their tongue chill out inside their mouth, like it’s lounging on a comfy couch. It doesn’t need to do much for /f/—the lips and teeth are the stars! You can say, “Let your tongue take a nap while your lips do the work!”
Blow Air Like a Breeze
The /f/ sound is like a soft, windy sound! Ask your child to blow air gently between their top teeth and bottom lip to make a long “fffffff” sound. It should feel like a whisper, not a buzz. Say, “Let’s blow air like we’re making a cool breeze!”
Feel the Airflow
Have your child practice blowing air through the teeth-lip position. Hold a feather, tissue, or your hand in front of their mouth to show the air coming out. Say, “Make the air zoom out like a kite flying in the wind!”
Try Fun /f/ Words
Start with easy words like “fish,” “fan,” or “fox.” Make it a game: “Let’s blow /f/ sounds like we’re fanning a fox!” If they’re struggling, gently remind them to keep their teeth on their lip and blow air.
Mirror Magic
Practice in front of a mirror so your child can see their teeth touching their lip. Say, “Check out your awesome teeth-lip hug! Is your tongue chilling out?” This helps them see their position and makes it fun.
Keep It Playful and Short
Keep practice light and fun to avoid frustration! Short 5–10 minute sessions work best. Try silly games like pretending to be windy foxes or blowing /f/ sounds to “fly” a tissue across the table.
Tips for Success
Model the /f/ sound yourself, exaggerating the teeth-on-lip position and airy sound, and say, “See how my teeth hug my lip?” Encourage your child to copy you. If they’re having trouble, check that their teeth are touching their lip and their tongue isn’t getting in the way. A speech therapist can offer extra tips if needed.
Fun Activity: /f/ Sound Fishing Game
Play a “/f/ Sound Fishing Game”! Gather toys or pictures of things that start with /f/, like a fish, fork, or feather. Practice saying each word with a clear /f/ sound as you “catch” them. Say, “Let’s blow /f/ like we’re fishing in a windy sea!”
The /l/ sound is that smooth, singing sound you hear in words like “lion,” “leaf,” and “love.” It’s like a little melody from the tongue! Let’s make it easy and exciting with these playful steps to help your child master the /l/ sound.
Steps to Teach the /l/ Sound
Open Mouth, Like Singing
Ask your child to open their mouth slightly, like they’re about to sing a happy song. This gets their mouth ready for the /l/ sound. Say, “Let’s open our mouth like we’re singing to the stars!”
Tongue Tip Up
Tell your child to lift the tip of their tongue to touch the bumpy spot just behind their top front teeth (the alveolar ridge). The rest of the tongue stays low. You can say, “Make your tongue tip tap the roof of your mouth like it’s dancing!”
Sing with Voice
The /l/ sound is a voiced sound, like a soft hum or melody. Ask your child to let air flow around their tongue while making a smooth “lllll” sound, like singing. Say, “Let’s sing /l/ like we’re lions roaring softly!”
Feel the Flow
Have your child practice the /l/ sound by feeling the air move around their tongue. You can place your hand near their mouth to feel the gentle airflow or listen for the smooth, voiced sound. Say, “Make the air sing out like a breeze through leaves!”
Try Fun /l/ Words
Start with easy words like “lion,” “lamp,” or “leaf.” Make it a game: “Let’s sing /l/ sounds like we’re lions on a leaf!” If they struggle, remind them to lift just the tip of their tongue while keeping their jaw steady.
Mirror Magic
Practice in front of a mirror so your child can see their tongue tip touching the roof of their mouth. Say, “Look at your tongue tip dancing! Is your mouth singing?” This helps them check their position and have fun.
Keep It Playful and Short
Keep practice light to avoid frustration! Short 5–10 minute sessions work best. Try silly games like pretending to be singing lions or blowing /l/ sounds to “float” a leaf across the table.
Tips for Success
Model the /l/ sound yourself, exaggerating the tongue tip lift and smooth hum, and say, “See how my tongue tip taps up?” Encourage your child to copy you. If they’re having trouble, check that only the tongue tip is lifting and the rest of the tongue is low. The /l/ sound can be tricky because it requires precise tongue control, so be patient. A speech therapist can offer extra tips if needed.
Fun Activity: /l/ Sound Leaf Hunt
Play an “/l/ Sound Leaf Hunt”! Gather toys or pictures of things that start with /l/, like a leaf, lion, or lamp. Practice saying each word with a smooth /l/ sound as you “collect” them. Say, “Let’s sing /l/ like we’re lions finding leaves!”
Extra Support
Practice daily for a few minutes and cheer your child’s efforts to keep them motivated. If they’re working with a speech therapist, share this guide to align with their sessions. With practice, your child’s /l/ sound will sing beautifully!
Happy singing, and have fun practicing the /l/ sound together!
The /k/ sound is that sharp, popping sound you hear in words like “cat,” “kite,” and “cake.” It’s a fun sound to learn, like a little cough in the back of your throat! Let’s make it easy and exciting with these playful steps to help your child master the /k/ sound.
Steps to Teach the /k/ Sound
Open Mouth, Ready to Pop
Ask your child to open their mouth wide, like they’re about to say “ahh” at the doctor. This gets their mouth ready for the /k/ sound. Say, “Let’s open wide like we’re showing off a big smile!”
Tongue Up in the Back
Tell your child to lift the back of their tongue toward the roof of their mouth, like they’re trying to touch the soft part at the back (the soft palate). The front of the tongue stays low. You can say, “Make your tongue do a backflip to the back of your mouth!”
Pop the Air Like a Cough
The /k/ sound is a quick burst of air, like a tiny cough or a popping balloon. Ask your child to push air out with the back of their tongue to make a sharp “kkkk” sound. It’s a quiet sound, without voice (unlike /g/). Say, “Let’s pop the air like we’re bursting a tiny balloon!”
Feel the Pop
Have your child practice the /k/ sound by feeling the air burst out. You can hold a tissue or your hand in front of their mouth to show the puff of air. Say, “Make the air pop out like a superhero blasting off!”
Try Fun /k/ Words
Start with easy words like “cat,” “cup,” or “kite.” Make it a game: “Let’s pop /k/ sounds like we’re flying kites!” If they struggle, remind them to lift the back of their tongue and keep the front low.
Mirror Magic
Practice in front of a mirror so your child can see their open mouth. Say, “Look at that big open mouth! Is your tongue doing a backflip?” This helps them check their position and have fun.
Keep It Playful and Short
Keep practice light to avoid frustration! Short 5–10 minute sessions work best. Try silly games like pretending to be coughing cats or popping /k/ sounds to “launch” a toy kite.
Tips for Success
Model the /k/ sound yourself, exaggerating the open mouth and sharp pop, and say, “See how my tongue pops in the back?” Encourage your child to copy you. If they’re having trouble, check that the back of their tongue is lifting while the front stays down. This sound can be tricky because it happens in the back of the mouth, so patience is key. A speech therapist can offer extra tips if needed.
Extra Support
Practice daily for a few minutes and cheer your child’s efforts to keep them motivated. If they’re working with a speech therapist, share this guide to align with their sessions. With practice, your child’s /k/ sound will pop like a pro!
The /p/ sound is that crisp, popping sound you hear in words like “pop,” “pig,” and “pizza.” It’s like a little burst of fun from the lips! Let’s make it easy and exciting with these playful steps to help your child master the /p/ sound.
Steps to Teach the /p/ Sound
Lips Together, Ready to Pop
Ask your child to press their lips together gently, like they’re giving a tiny kiss or holding a secret. This sets up the /p/ sound. Say, “Let’s make your lips give each other a quick hug!”
Keep the Tongue Out of the Way
Tell your child to let their tongue relax, like it’s taking a break on the floor of their mouth. The lips are the stars for /p/, so the tongue just chills. You can say, “Tell your tongue to take a nap while your lips do the dance!”
Pop the Air Like a Balloon
The /p/ sound is a quick burst of air from the lips, like popping a bubble. Ask your child to push air out through their lips to make a sharp “pppp” sound. It’s a quiet sound, without voice (unlike /b/). Say, “Let’s pop the air like we’re bursting a tiny balloon!”
Feel the Pop
Have your child practice the /p/ sound by feeling the air burst out. Hold a tissue, feather, or your hand in front of their mouth to show the puff of air. Say, “Make the air blast out like a rocket taking off!”
Try Fun /p/ Words
Start with easy words like “pig,” “pen,” or “pop.” Make it a game: “Let’s pop /p/ sounds like we’re blowing bubbles!” If they struggle, remind them to press their lips together and let the air burst out.
Mirror Magic
Practice in front of a mirror so your child can see their lips pressing together. Say, “Check out your lips hugging! Is your tongue napping?” This helps them see their position and makes it fun.
Keep It Playful and Short
Keep practice light and fun to avoid frustration! Short 5–10 minute sessions work best. Try silly games like pretending to be popping pigs or blowing /p/ sounds to “pop” a tissue off the table.
Tips for Success
Model the /p/ sound yourself, exaggerating the lip press and air pop, and say, “See how my lips pop open?” Encourage your child to copy you. If they’re having trouble, check that their lips are fully closed before the pop and that their tongue isn’t moving. A speech therapist can offer extra tips if needed.
Fun Activity: /p/ Sound Popping Game
Play a “/p/ Sound Popping Game”! Gather toys or pictures of things that start with /p/, like a pig, pencil, or pizza. Practice saying each word with a crisp /p/ sound as you “pop” them into a pile. Say, “Let’s pop /p/ like we’re popping popcorn!”
Extra Support
Practice daily for a few minutes and celebrate your child’s efforts to keep them motivated. If they’re working with a speech therapist, share this guide to align with their sessions. With practice, your child’s /p/ sound will burst with confidence!
Happy popping, and have fun practicing the /p/ sound together!
The /s/ sound is that hissy, snake-like sound you hear in words like “sun,” “snake,” and “smile.” If your child has an interdental lisp (where their tongue pokes out between their teeth, making /s/ sound like ‘th’), these simple steps will help them learn to say /s/ clearly. Let’s make it fun and easy!
Steps to Teach the /s/ Sound
Big Smile, Teeth Together
Ask your child to flash a big, happy smile! Have them gently close their teeth so they’re touching, but not clamped tight. This stops the tongue from sneaking out between the teeth (which causes the lisp). Say, “Show me your superstar smile!”
Tongue Back, Like a Hiding Snake
Tell your child to pretend their tongue is a shy snake staying inside their mouth. The tip of their tongue should rest just behind their front teeth, near the bumpy spot on the roof of their mouth (called the alveolar ridge). Say, “Keep your snake tongue hiding, not poking out!”
Hiss Like a Snake
The /s/ sound is like a snake’s hiss! Ask your child to blow air through their teeth to make a long “ssssss” sound. Encourage them to keep the hiss steady, like a snake slithering. You can say, “Let’s hiss like a super sneaky snake!”
Feel the Air
Have your child practice blowing air through their teeth. Hold a feather, tissue, or your hand in front of their mouth to show the air coming out. Say, “Make the air zoom out like a rocket!” This helps them feel the airflow needed for /s/.
Try Fun /s/ Words
Start with easy words like “sun,” “sock,” or “snake.” Make it a game: “Let’s hiss like snakes in the sun!” If they say ‘th’ instead of /s/, gently remind them to pull their tongue back and keep their teeth together.
Mirror Time
Practice in front of a mirror so your child can see their smile and tongue position. Say, “Look at that awesome smile! Is your snake tongue hiding?” This helps them check their tongue and have fun.
Keep It Fun and Short
If your child gets frustrated, keep it playful! Short 5–10 minute sessions work best. Try silly games like pretending to be hissing snakes or superheroes with “s” powers.
Tips for Fixing an Interdental Lisp
Since your child is lisping interdentally, their tongue might poke out, turning /s/ into ‘th.’ Each time they practice, gently remind them to keep their tongue behind their teeth. Model the sound yourself, exaggerating your smile and hiss, and say, “See, my tongue stays in!” If the lisp persists, a speech therapist can offer extra support.
Fun Activity: /s/ Sound Safari
Go on an “/s/ Sound Safari” around the house! Find things that start with /s/, like a spoon, sock, or soap. Practice saying each word with a big smile and a hissy /s/. You can say, “Let’s hiss like snakes at every /s/ treasure we find!”
Extra Support
Practice daily for a few minutes, and praise your child’s efforts to keep them motivated. If they’re working with a speech therapist, share this guide with them to align your home practice. If you need more help, a therapist can tailor activities for your child’s lisp.
Happy hissing, and have fun practicing the /s/ sound together!
Helping your child learn to make the ‘z’ sound can be fun and straightforward, especially if they’re interdental lisping (where the tongue pokes out between the teeth, making the sound more like a ‘th’). Here’s a simple, parent-friendly guide to teach the ‘z’ sound in a playful way:
Big Smile, Teeth Together: Ask your child to show a big, happy smile! Have them gently close their teeth so they’re touching, but not clenched. This helps keep the tongue from poking out between the teeth (which causes the lisp).
Tongue Back, Like a Snake: Tell your child to pretend their tongue is a sneaky snake staying inside their mouth. The tip of the tongue should rest just behind the front teeth, near the bumpy spot on the roof of their mouth (the alveolar ridge), but not sticking out. You can say, “Keep your snake tongue hiding behind your teeth!”
Buzz Like a Bee: The ‘z’ sound is like a buzzy bee sound! Ask your child to blow air through their teeth while making a buzzing noise, like “zzzzzz.” Encourage them to feel the vibration in their throat by placing their hand on their neck—this makes it fun and helps them know they’re doing it right.
Check the Airflow: Have them practice blowing a steady stream of air through their teeth. You can hold a feather, tissue, or even your hand in front of their mouth to show the air coming out. Say, “Let’s make the air zoom out like a superhero flying!”
Practice with Fun Words: Start with simple words that have the ‘z’ sound, like “zoo,” “zip,” or “zebra.” Make it a game: “Let’s buzz like bees at the zoo!” If they slip into a ‘th’ sound, gently remind them to pull their tongue back and keep their teeth together.
Mirror Magic: Practice in front of a mirror so your child can see their smile and tongue position. You can say, “Look at that big smile! Where’s your sneaky snake tongue?” This helps them self-correct and makes it interactive.
Keep It Playful: If they get frustrated, keep it light. Try silly games like pretending to be buzzing bees or zapping superheroes. Short, fun sessions (5–10 minutes) work best to keep them engaged.
Tip for the Lisp: Since your child is lisping interdentally, gently remind them to keep their tongue behind their teeth each time they practice. You can model the sound yourself, exaggerating your smile and buzzing, and say, “See, my tongue stays in!” If they’re struggling, a speech therapist can provide extra guidance, especially for persistent lisps.
Fun Activity: Make a “Z Sound Treasure Hunt”! Find things around the house that start with ‘z’ (like a zipper or toy zebra) and practice saying them together with the buzzy ‘z’ sound.
The /sh/ sound is that quiet, hushy sound you hear in words like “ship,” “shoe,” and “sheep.” It’s like a whisper to calm a baby! Let’s make it fun and easy with these playful steps to help your child master the /sh/ sound.
Steps to Teach the /sh/ Sound
Round Lips, Like a Kiss
Ask your child to round their lips, like they’re blowing a kiss or sipping through a straw. This shapes the mouth for the /sh/ sound. Say, “Pucker up your lips like you’re kissing a puppy!”
Tongue Up, Not Touching
Tell your child the tongue should be in a neutral, relaxed position with the sides raised to touch the inner top teeth, while the tip points down slightly, like the shape of a butterfly. The tongue stays wide and relaxed. You can say, “Lift your tongue like it’s floating up for a quiet dance!” .
Hush Like a Librarian
The /sh/ sound is a soft, airy hush, like saying “shhh” to quiet a room. Ask your child to blow air gently through their rounded lips to make a long “shhhhh” sound. It’s quiet, without voice (unlike /zh/). Say, “Let’s hush like we’re sneaking past a sleeping sheep!”
Feel the Airflow
Have your child practice the /sh/ sound by feeling the air flow through their lips. Hold a tissue or your hand in front of their mouth to show the steady stream. Say, “Make the air whisper out like a soft breeze!”
Try Fun /sh/ Words
Start with easy words like “ship,” “shell,” or “shine.” Make it a game: “Let’s hush /sh/ sounds like we’re sailing a ship!” If they struggle, remind them to round their lips and keep their tongue floating.
Mirror Magic
Practice in front of a mirror so your child can see their rounded lips and relaxed tongue. Say, “Check out your kissy lips! Is your tongue floating up?” This helps them see their position and have fun.
Keep It Playful and Short
Keep practice light to avoid frustration! Short 5–10 minute sessions work best. Try silly games like pretending to be hushy sheep or blowing /sh/ sounds to “calm” a toy baby.
Tips for Success
It’s easier to get the /sh/ sound if the child already has the /s/ (and safer, due to risk of overgeneralising /sh/ to /s/). Model the /sh/ sound yourself, exaggerating the rounded lips and airy hush, and say, “See how my lips pucker and hush?” Encourage your child to copy you. If they’re having trouble, check that their lips are rounded and their tongue isn’t touching the roof of their mouth. The /sh/ sound can be tricky due to the precise lip and tongue position, so patience is key. A speech therapist can offer extra tips if needed.
Still Hard to Shift?This trick is from the wonderful SLP Pam Marshala (RIP, 2015). – – Say an exaggerated E. (Smile very broadly)
– Whisper this E. (The sound that results with not sound like Sh. It will sound like a whispered E.)
– Now round the lips as you whisper this E. (An Sh sound might come right then. If not, go to step 4.)
-Say E, whisper E, round the lips with the whispered E, and elevate the jaw slightly. (A better sounding Sh should come in.)
Fun Activity: /sh/ Sound Sleepy Sheep Game
Play a “/sh/ Sound Sleepy Sheep Game”! Gather toys or pictures of things that start with /sh/, like a sheep, shoe, or shell. Practice saying each word with a hushy /sh/ sound as you “put them to sleep.” Say, “Let’s hush /sh/ like we’re calming sleepy sheep!”
Extra Support
Practice daily for a few minutes and cheer your child’s efforts to keep them motivated. If they’re working with a speech therapist, share this guide to align with their sessions. With practice, your child’s /sh/ sound will whisper smoothly!
Happy hushing, and have fun practicing the /sh/ sound together!
