Let’s Talk “CH” Sounds
Articulation is all about how clearly and precisely we say words. When we articulate well, we can communicate effectively, and people understand us. If you’re having trouble with articulation, you may need to practice certain sounds.
The “CH” sound is one that kids usually master a little later than others — usually around age 7. If you’re struggling with the “CH” sound, you’re not alone! And difficulties with this sound can make it harder for others to understand you.
That’s why we’ve put together this resource. We’ll give you comprehensive lists and activities to help you practice your “CH” sound. We’ll cover words, phrases, sentences, and even stories. These tools can help speech therapists, teachers, parents, and anyone who wants to improve their speech.
We’ll focus on the “CH” sound in different parts of words – at the beginning (initial), in the middle (medial), and at the end (final). So, let’s dive into these “ch word lists” and get started!
Understanding the “CH” Sound
Before we dive into word lists, let’s talk about the “ch” sound itself. It’s more complex than it seems!
The Phonetics of “CH”
Think about how you make the “ch” sound. Your tongue moves to stop the airflow, then releases it in a burst, creating a friction sound. That’s why phoneticians call it a “voiceless affricate” – it combines a stop and a fricative. The sound is voiceless because your vocal cords aren’t vibrating when you say it.
It’s easy to confuse the “ch” sound with similar sounds like “sh” and “j.” The difference lies in the subtle movements of your tongue and how you control the airflow. A tiny change in articulation can completely change the sound!
Developmental Milestones for “CH”
Kids usually start experimenting with the “ch” sound around age 3. By age 7, most children have mastered it. But what if a child struggles with the “ch” sound?
Sometimes, hearing problems can make it hard to perceive the sound correctly, which then affects how they produce it. Other times, it could be due to challenges with motor skills, making it difficult to coordinate all the muscles involved in speech.
CH Word Lists: A Comprehensive Resource
Whether you’re a speech therapist, an educator, or just someone looking to improve your pronunciation, CH word lists can be a valuable tool. To get the most out of these lists, it’s helpful to understand how they can be organized and used.
Organizing Word Lists by Position
When practicing the CH sound, it’s important to work on it in different parts of a word. The position of the sound can affect how it’s pronounced, so targeting the beginning, middle, and end of words can lead to more accurate articulation.
- Initial: These are words where the CH sound comes at the beginning, like chair, cheese, or child.
- Medial: In these words, the CH sound is in the middle, such as teacher, kitchen, or picture.
- Final: These words have the CH sound at the end, for example, rich, catch, or much.
Categorizing Word Lists by Syllable Count
Another way to organize CH word lists is by the number of syllables in each word. Starting with simpler, single-syllable words and then moving to more complex, multi-syllable words can help build confidence and accuracy.
- One syllable: chop, church
- Two syllables: chicken, chapter
- Three syllables: chocolate, challenge
- Four syllables: chimpanzee
CH Blend Word Lists
Sometimes, the CH sound appears as part of a blend, where it’s combined with other letters. These blends can be tricky to pronounce, so they deserve special attention.
Examples of CH blends include words like school, schedule, and scholar. Notice that the CH in these words is pronounced with a hard “k” sound.
Expanding practice: Phrases and sentences
Once you’ve mastered saying the “ch” sound alone or in simple words, it’s time to practice it in slightly more complex ways. Using phrases, sentences, and even short stories can help you or your child generalize the “ch” sound so it becomes second nature.
“CH” phrases
Practicing phrases is a good way to make sure the “ch” sound is solid in conversation.
Here are a few examples:
- Initial: “Chew chocolate,” “Catch a chill”
- Medial: “A marching teacher,” “Watching a match”
- Final: “Very much,” “Such luck”
“CH” sentences
Putting “ch” words into sentences can help you get used to saying the sound in a more natural way.
For example:
- “The children cheered for the champion.”
- “My teacher gave me a chocolate chip cookie.”
- “I like to watch the church choir sing.”
Creating carrier phrases
A carrier phrase is a sentence that stays the same except for the “ch” word, which you change. This can be a fun way to get lots of “ch” practice.
For instance:
- “I see a _____” (chair, chick, church).
- “He likes to _____” (chew, chase, check).
Engaging Activities and Games for “CH” Sound Practice
It can be tough to get kids excited about practicing their speech sounds. Here are some ideas for making “CH” sound practice more fun and engaging.
Sensory Activities
Sensory activities can make speech practice more stimulating and enjoyable. When you incorporate touch, sight, and even smell, you’re more likely to hold a child’s attention.
One example is a “/ch/ Sensory Bin.” Simply hide objects related to the “CH” sound in a bin filled with rice, beans, or even water beads. As the child finds each object, have them say the word aloud.
Games
Games are a fantastic way to keep kids motivated during speech therapy. When learning feels like play, children are more likely to participate and retain what they’re learning.
Try “/ch/ Hopscotch.” Create a hopscotch grid, and in each square, write a “CH” word. As the child hops through the grid, they say each word. You can also play matching games using pictures of items that begin or contain the “CH” sound.
Reading Passages and Stories
Reading practice is essential for reinforcing the “CH” sound in context. Use short stories that are rich in “CH” words. You can use stories provided by a speech therapist or create your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Charlie’s Great Food Adventure
- The Treasure Hunt
- Chester’s Chore Challenge
Progression Cards and Tongue Twisters
Progression cards can be used to gradually increase the complexity of the practice. Start with simple “CH” words and then move on to phrases and sentences.
For advanced practice, try some “CH” tongue twisters. Here’s one to get you started: “Chuck chipped cheap chop sticks.”
Techniques for Correct “CH” Sound Production
If you’re working to improve your or someone else’s pronunciation of the “CH” sound, here are some techniques that may help.
Visual Aids and Modeling
It can be helpful to see how the “CH” sound is made. Use a mirror so the individual can watch their mouth as they make the sound. It can also be helpful for you to demonstrate the correct way to make the sound.
Tactile Prompts
Sometimes, it helps to use touch to guide someone’s mouth as they make the sound. For example, you could gently touch their chin to show them how the jaw should move.
Auditory Feedback
Being able to hear the sound clearly is important. Use recording devices or apps so the person can hear themselves and compare their pronunciation to the correct sound.
Using Forbrain for CH Word Practice
Forbrain is a device with headphones and a microphone that can help improve speech. It works by giving you immediate auditory feedback as you speak. It can help you hear the sounds you’re making more clearly, which can make it easier to correct your pronunciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What words have “ch” in the middle?
Finding words with “ch” nestled in the middle can be a fun word challenge! Some examples include “archer,” “butcher,” “itching,” “orchard,” “voucher,” “teacher,” “preacher,” “kitchen,” and “hatching.” There are many more – keep an eye out while reading!
What are 10 words using “ch”?
Here’s a quick list to get you started: “chair,” “chocolate,” “church,” “cheese,” “check,” “choose,” “chance,” “child,” “chop,” and “chuckle.” These words demonstrate the common “ch” sound, but remember it can sometimes sound different, like in “ache.”
What is a 5-letter word with “ch”?
A common 5-letter word containing “ch” is “which”. It’s a frequently used word that helps us ask questions and make choices. Other possibilities are “catch”, “coach”, “peach”, and “reach”.
What are 5 words with the “ch” sound?
Here are 5 examples: “chair,” “cheese,” “church,” “chocolate,” and “children.” The “ch” sound is often represented phonetically as /tʃ/. Remember that the “ch” sound can vary slightly in different accents and languages.
The Bottom Line
If you want to improve your or your child’s articulation of the “CH” sound, consistent practice is essential. Incorporating /ch/ practice into your daily routine is the best way to achieve long-term improvement.
Remember the resources we covered in this article: /ch/ word lists, phrases, sentences, stories, and games. Use them regularly to work on your speech.
Feel free to adapt and personalize the materials to suit your own or your child’s individual needs and preferences. Make it fun! The more enjoyable the practice is, the more likely you are to stick with it.
Finally, remember that speech therapy is a journey, not a destination. Progress takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself or your child, celebrate small victories, and keep practicing. You’ve got this!