Question
I have a five year old on my case load that substitutes the "sh" sound for "ch" and "j." He can hear the difference (not a perceptual error), but is unable to produce the ch or j sounds. Any suggestions for therapy techniques? I have tried everything!
Answer
I am a SLP at a kindergarten center of 740 kindergartners and I often see this problem! I have a few tricks that I have used in the past that may or may not work but at least you can give them a try. When making the "sh" sound, I run my finger down my arm and we talk about how the "sh" sound is a long and quiet sound. With the "ch" sound I use the sign for "stop" and tell the children that it is a "chopping" sound that is louder or stronger and quick. So we use our hands to make a "chopping" motion.
This is a visual that helps show them the difference between the two sounds. Many times to evoke the "ch" sound I have them place their hands on both sides of their chair and actually push themselves off of the chair making the "ch" sound. This seems to help them obtain some pressure and we talk about how we are pushing our tongue against our teeth. We also make the chugging sound of a train. Sometimes they cannot make the "ch" sound but can make a beautiful chugging sound of a train. Lastly, I have tried making an exaggerated sneeze "a-choo". Once they have "ch" then we talk about turning on their voice to make the "j" sound. Having them try some verbal sound play moving from "sh" to "ch" is always a good idea.
Having them move their tongue around their mouth until you get a close approximation is also a strategy to try. Well good luck!
Lisa Williamson, M.A.,CCC is a speech-language pathologist who works for Fairfield Kindergarten Center in Fairfield, Ohio. She is also an adjunct professor for Miami University. Lisa has worked in the public schools for 23 years and has worked at the Kindergarten Center for 11 years.
Lisa Williamson, M.A.,CCC
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