Learning how to say sounds correctly is a big part of learning to communicate, and it also helps kids learn to read and write! That’s why we’re talking about the “sh” sound today. It’s a common sound in English (called a fricative sound), and you need it to say tons of words.
This article is all about helping kids practice their “sh” sounds, and we’ve collected a list of “sh” words. We’ve also shared some tips and activities to help them nail it!
Understanding the /sh/ Sound
Before we launch into our /sh/ word lists, it’s worth taking a moment to understand how the /sh/ sound is made and when it usually develops.
How to make the /sh/ sound
To make the /sh/ sound, round your lips, raise your tongue toward the alveolar ridge (the spot on the roof of your mouth just behind your upper teeth), and turn off your voice, releasing a narrow stream of air.
The /sh/ sound is a voiceless fricative, meaning it’s made by forcing air through a narrow channel.
When do children typically master the /sh/ sound?
Most English-speaking kids can say the /sh/ sound correctly by the time they’re 4 or 5 years old. But, like any speech sound, some children may need more practice than others.
How to Spot and Treat /sh/ Sound Issues
Kids who struggle with the /sh/ sound might replace it with an /s/ or a /t/. This usually happens because they aren’t placing their tongue correctly or controlling their airflow.
To practice effectively, it’s important to know what’s causing the problem.
Sometimes, kids need speech therapy to learn how to make the /sh/ sound. If you’re concerned, contact a speech-language pathologist (SLP). There are also a lot of great speech therapy resources available for parents and teachers to use.
/sh/ word lists for practice
To help you practice your pronunciation of the /sh/ sound, here are some examples of words in which the /sh/ sound appears at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end.
Examples of /sh/ words at the beginning of a word:
- Showcase
- Ship
- Shoe
- Shop
- Shadow
Examples of /sh/ words in the middle of a word:
- Fashion
- Cushion
- Washing
- Wishing
- Pushing
Examples of /sh/ words at the end of a word:
- Fish
- Brush
- Dish
- Wish
- Crush
As you practice these words, it can be helpful to group them by the number of syllables they contain and where the /sh/ sound falls within the word. This will allow you to more precisely target the areas where you need the most practice.
Activities and Games for Practicing the /sh/ Sound
Once your child is ready to practice their pronunciation, try these activities:
- Practice saying each /sh/ word 5-10 times. Start with just the /sh/ sound by itself, then move on to syllables, and then to full words.
- Play games and use toys that use the /sh/ sound, such as Go Fish or a toy shovel. Try flashcards with /sh/ words.
- Read books with lots of /sh/ words, and emphasize the characters, actions, and descriptive words. You can even make your own /sh/ word book.
- Make a list of /sh/ words that your child already uses, and sort them by nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What begins with the ‘sh’ sound?
Tons of words start with the ‘sh’ sound! Think about common ones like “ship,” “shop,” “shoe,” “share,” and “shine.” You’ll also find it in words like “shutter,” “shiver,” “shoulder,” and even names like “Sharon” or “Shawn.” It’s a pretty versatile sound to start a word with.
What are related words with ‘sh’?
When you say “related,” do you mean words containing ‘sh’ or words that are similar in meaning to words with ‘sh’? If you mean words containing ‘sh’, consider words like “fishing,” “cushion,” “fashion,” “establish,” and “wish.” If you mean similar in meaning, that depends on the specific ‘sh’ word you’re thinking of. For example, related words for “shine” might be “glisten” or “gleam.”
What is a 5-letter word with ‘sh’?
A quick one is “shale.” Also, “shine” and “shake” fit the bill, too!
What are 10 words with ‘sh’?
Okay, here are 10 to get you started: 1) ship, 2) shop, 3) shoe, 4) share, 5) shine, 6) shadow, 7) should, 8) shrimp, 9) shirt, and 10) shovel. That covers a pretty good range of common words using that ‘sh’ sound. You could probably come up with even more pretty quickly!
Final Thoughts
Practicing the /sh/ sound takes time and patience, but consistent practice is the best way to improve articulation.
If you’re a parent or teacher, remember that there are many resources and a lot of support available to you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a speech-language pathologist for professional guidance.
By creating a positive learning environment and encouraging ongoing practice, you can help children master the /sh/ sound and improve their communication skills.