Does your child say “sop” instead of “shop” or say “puth” instead of “push” or struggle with the “shhh” sound? As a speech language pathologist, the “SH” sound (as in “shop,” “fashion,” or “wish”) is a common speech sound that children struggle to say, but with practice, your child can learn to say it clearly!
What Happens Inside the Mouth When Saying the “SH” Sound?
The “SH” sound is made by air smoothly escaping through a narrow channel between the tongue and the roof of the mouth.
Here’s how to produce /sh/ sound:
- Lips: Pucker your lips, rounded and pushed slightly forward (like saying “shhh!”)
- Tongue: Raised toward the roof of the mouth (palate)
- Airflow: Blow a soft continuous air (no voice required)
Pro Tip: Hold a hand in front of the mouth to feel the warm, smooth airflow!
Why Do Children Struggle with the “SH” Sound?
Here are some common reasons:
- Substitution with /s/: Saying “sip” instead of “ship”
- Tongue too far forward: Like with the /s/ sound
- Lips not rounded: Making the sound less clear
- Lack of awareness: Not knowing where the tongue or lips should be
- Distorted or slushy versions of “shh”
Children may also substitute “SH” with sounds like “ch” or “th.”
Playful Home Activities to Practice the “SH” Sound
These activities are great tools for SH sound speech therapy for kids done at home:
- “Shhh!” or Quiet Game: Pretend you are sleepy bears. Whisper “shhh” to each other and take turns saying SH words like shoe, shy, shark.
- Train Sound: Chug like a train (“sh-sh-sh”) while pushing a toy train.
- Mirror Practice: Make your child watch their lips and tongue in a mirror, while making /sh/ sound.
- Tissue Blow: Hold a tissue in front of your child’s mouth while they say “shhh.” The airflow should move the tissue gently.
- Kiss the Fish: Pretend to kiss a toy fish while saying “shhh” (exaggerate lip rounding).
- “SH” Sound Scavenger Hunt: Look for SH-sound objects around the house (shoes, shampoo, sheets, shirt) and say them together.
Step-by-Step Progression
Step-by-Step Articulation Practice for the /SH/ Sound
When helping your child practice the /sh/ sound, it’s important to go step by step. Start with just the sound, then build up to using it in words, short phrases, and full sentences.
| Practice Level | Examples to Try |
|---|---|
| Single sound | “shhh” (quiet sound) |
| Syllable sounds | sha, sho, she |
| Words | shoe, ship, fish, wash, brush |
| Phrases | “Wash the dish”, “Shiny shoes” |
| Sentences | “She shared her shiny shell.” |
Make sure your child is confident at each level before moving to the next.
When to Seek Speech Therapy Support
If your child is 4.5 years or older and still consistently substitutes or distorts the “SH” sound, it’s better to consult a certified Speech Language Pathologist. They provide articulation therapy.
Articulation Therapy can help with:
- Personalized therapy plans
- Targeted cues (visual, tactile, or verbal)
- ✅ Progress tracking and expert feedback
Early intervention builds confidence and clearer speech!
Final Thoughts
The “SH” sound can feel challenging at first, but with consistent home practice, visual feedback (like mirrors), and playful activities, your child can improve over time.
Want more help? Visit NeuronurtureKids.com or reach out to our team of expert speech-language pathologists to book a session!
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