The “ch” sound is important for clear speaking, but many kids have a hard time learning how to say it correctly. Parents, teachers, and speech therapists all play a role in helping kids master this sound.
This article provides a comprehensive ch word list, along with activities and resources to help children practice and improve their pronunciation of the “ch” sound.
If your child is having trouble with the “ch” sound, early intervention and consistent practice are key. With the right support and resources, children can overcome articulation challenges and develop clear, confident speech.
Let’s get started with some fun and effective ways to work on the “ch” sound!
‘ch’ Word Lists: A Comprehensive Breakdown
The ‘ch’ sound can be tricky for kids (and even some adults!). Breaking down words by where the ‘ch’ sound appears can be really helpful for learning and practicing.
Initial ‘ch’ Words
These are words that start with the ‘ch’ sound, like the sound you hear in “chew” or “church.” Here’s a list of some common ones:
- chair
- cheese
- child
- choose
- chance
- chop
- chin
- check
- cheer
- chief
Tips for Practicing Initial ‘ch’ Words
Repetition is key! Use flashcards and repeat the words, emphasizing the ‘ch’ sound at the beginning. Games can make it fun, too! Try a ‘ch’ sound scavenger hunt where kids find objects that start with the ‘ch’ sound. Visual aids, like pictures of chairs or cheese, and gestures (like pretending to chop) can also help kids understand and remember.
Medial ‘ch’ Words
Medial ‘ch’ words have the ‘ch’ sound in the middle. These are often longer words, with two or three syllables.
- teacher
- kitchen
- picture
- watching
- itching
- butcher
- archer
- catcher
- research
- preaching
Strategies for Practicing Medial ‘ch’ Words
Breaking the words into syllables is helpful. For example, “tea-cher,” “kitch-en.” This makes the pronunciation easier. You can also build sentences using these words to help kids understand them in context. For example, “The teacher is nice,” or “I am watching TV.”
Final ‘ch’ Words
These words end with the ‘ch’ sound.
- rich
- much
- catch
- teach
- beach
- reach
- touch
- lunch
- hunch
- birch
Techniques for Practicing Final ‘ch’ Words
Really emphasize that ending ‘ch’ sound when you say the words. Rhyming activities are great for reinforcing the sound. For example, “much” rhymes with “touch,” and “beach” rhymes with “teach.”
Engaging Activities for ‘ch’ Sound Practice
Practicing the ‘ch’ sound doesn’t have to be a chore! Here are some fun ways to help kids master it:
Interactive Games and Activities
Turn learning into playtime! You can adapt board games to include ‘ch’ words. For example, if a child lands on a certain square, they have to say a sentence using a ‘ch’ word. Flashcards with ‘ch’ words can be used in card games like “Go Fish” or “Memory.”
It’s super important to make learning fun. Games reduce anxiety and keep kids motivated to practice.
The “Sandwich Bar” Activity
Let’s make a sandwich! Set up a “sandwich bar” with ingredients that have the ‘ch’ sound in their names, like chips, cheese, chicken, and cherries. Then, encourage your child to request the ingredients they want using clear pronunciation.
This activity is great because it puts ‘ch’ sound practice in a real-life situation. It also encourages your child to communicate and interact with you.
Utilizing Tongue Twisters and Phrases
Tongue twisters are a hilarious way to improve articulation! Here’s one that focuses on the ‘ch’ sound: “Chester chose cheap cheddar cheese.” See if your child can say it three times fast!
Here are a few more ‘ch’ phrases to practice:
- a cheerful child
- catch the chick
- much to chew
Using Stories and Sentences to Practice the “ch” Sound
Once your child has a handle on individual “ch” words, it’s time to put those sounds in context. Stories and sentences are a great way to do just that. Not only does this help with pronunciation, but it also reinforces vocabulary and comprehension skills.
“ch” Sound Stories
Stories make learning more fun! When the “ch” sound is embedded in an engaging narrative, children are more likely to pay attention and retain what they’re learning. Check out our “CH Story #1,” “CH Story #2,” and “CH Story #3” for examples of stories packed with “ch” words.
Here’s how to use stories effectively:
- Read the stories aloud, emphasizing the “ch” words. Encourage your child to repeat those words after you.
- Ask questions about the story to make sure your child understands what’s happening and is paying attention.
“ch” Sound Sentences
Sentences are another great way to practice the “ch” sound. They help children hear and pronounce the sound in different positions within a word – at the beginning, middle, and end.
For example:
- Initial “ch”: “The child chose the chocolate chip cookie.”
- Medial “ch”: “The teacher is watching the children.”
- Final “ch”: “I catch the ball on the beach.”
Here are some strategies for using sentences to reinforce the “ch” sound:
- Encourage your child to make up their own sentences using “ch” words.
- Try sentence completion activities. For example, “I like to eat _____ and _____ cookies.” Let your child fill in the blanks with “ch” words.
Free and Accessible ‘ch’ Sound Resources
Luckily, there are tons of free resources available to help you practice the “ch” sound, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or someone working on their own pronunciation.
Printable Resources
Sometimes, it’s nice to have something tangible. You can find free, printable flashcards, articulation sheets, and other practice materials online. Many sites even let you filter by where the “ch” sound appears in the word (beginning, middle, or end), as well as by blends, word structure, and the number of syllables.
To get the most out of your printable resources:
- Laminate flashcards to make them last longer, especially if you’re working with kids.
- Use articulation sheets to guide structured practice sessions. Set aside a specific time each day or week to work through the exercises.
Virtual Resources
For a more interactive experience, check out the many virtual resources available for “ch” sound practice. Online games, interactive exercises, and virtual flashcards can make learning more fun and engaging.
The best part about virtual resources is that they’re usually very accessible and convenient. You can practice anytime, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
Progression Cards
Progression cards can be a really helpful tool, especially in speech therapy. These cards provide a structured way to move from simple to more complex “ch” sound exercises. They help you gradually build your skills and confidence as you progress.
Putting It All Together
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article, from “ch” word lists to fun activities and stories. All of these resources, including the free ones you can find online, can help someone who struggles to say the “ch” sound more clearly.
Parents, teachers, speech-language pathologists — everyone has a role to play in supporting clear articulation. And one of the most important things you can do is to offer consistent practice and positive reinforcement.
Early intervention is key, but ongoing support is important, too. Remember, progress isn’t always linear. Some days will be better than others. But it’s important to celebrate even the smallest victories.
Clear communication is essential for self-esteem and social skills. When a child can be understood, they’re more likely to feel confident and connected. And that’s a goal worth working toward, one “ch” word at a time.