How to Say the SH Sound: A Complete Articulation Therapy Guide
Producing the /SH/ sound correctly is a common goal in speech therapy. Many children substitute /S/ for /SH/, drop the sound altogether, or misplace the tongue. With consistent exercises (speech therapy SH sound exercises), visual cues, and phonetic placement, most kids can master /SH/ in words, phrases, and everyday speech. Especially when parents are there to support and help practice.
What is the /SH/ Sound?
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The /SH/ (represented phonetically as /ʃ/) is a voiceless postalveolar fricative.
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It requires narrowing of the air passage, precise tongue placement slightly behind the alveolar ridge, rounding of the lips, and controlled airflow.
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Unlike “S” (alveolar, more forward tongue), /SH/ is produced further back in the mouth, with the lips slightly puckered.
Common Problems & Signs
You might consider working on SH sound articulation therapy if you notice:
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Substitutions: saying “sip” instead of “ship”, “fis” instead of “fish”.
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Omissions: leaving out the /SH/ sound completely.
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Inconsistent production: correct in isolation, but error in words or sentences.
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Persistence beyond expected age: many English‐speaking children master /SH/ between ages ~ 3.5 to 5 years.
How to Teach or Learn the /SH/ Sound
Below are tested strategies, exercises, and tips to support articulation therapy for the SH sound:
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Phonetic Placement / Articulation Cues
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Use a mirror: let the child or learner see how the lips round and how the tongue is inside the gently closed teeth
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Explain/tactile cues: gently touch the tongue tip (with a tongue depressor or toothbrush) to show where it should be (just behind the alveolar ridge, not touching the roof of the mouth).
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Lip rounding: emphasize that lips should be slightly protruded or rounded (make a “kiss” shape) instead of spread.
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Sound Shaping & Elicitation Techniques Your Speech Therapist Might Use
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Begin with a familiar sound: (like /S/) and gradually move the tongue back, round lips, or change voice to approximate /SH/ (“shaping from /S/”).
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Sequence method: e.g. say /e/ (long e), whisper it, round lips, transition into /SH/. This helps those who can do some parts but struggle combining them.
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Use auditory, visual, and tactile feedback: let learner hear a model, see the mouth/tongue, feel airflow.
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Practice Hierarchy a Speech Therapist Will Use
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Start at isolation (just the /SH/ sound) → syllables (e.g., “sha, shi, shu”). Later you will move to words (initial “ship”, medial “washing”, final “fish”) → phrases → sentences → conversation.
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Use word lists with SH in different positions. Some sample initial, medial, final word lists: ship, share, shop / washing, cushion / fish, splash, wish.
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Fun & Engaging Exercises
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Use games, stories, flashcards, picture cards. Here is a fun Bingo game resource in for Initial Sound SH sound in Hebrew
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Use minimal pairs (e.g. ship/sip, shoe/soo) to contrast and raise awareness.
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Rotating sentences: keep a sentence structure but change one SH word each time.
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Generalization & Carry-Over
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Make sure the child uses the /SH/ sound outside therapy sessions: in school, with family, in conversation.
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Practice in natural settings.
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Give homework and strategies for caregivers to help.
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When to Seek Professional Help
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If a child is older than ~7 years and still cannot produce /SH/ in words or speech.
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If the speech is highly inconsistent or unintelligible because of sound errors.
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If substitutions are frequent, or the child is frustrated or avoiding speaking.
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Working with a speech-language pathologist / licensed SLP ensures a tailored plan.
FAQ: Quick Answers
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At what age should children usually say /SH/?
Many children begin producing /SH/ around age 3-4, but mastery across all word positions may not happen until 6-7 years old. -
What’s the difference between /S/ and /SH/?
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Tongue position (more back for /SH/)
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Lips rounded vs. spread
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Airflow quality (narrow channel, steady air)
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How long does it take to correct /SH/?
Varies. If regular therapy (2-3 times/week), daily home practice, and good feedback, improvements often seen within weeks to a few months for isolated errors. Generalization takes longer.
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