S is for Spring, not Lisp! Speech Sheets for the ‘S’ Sound
Six Simple Worksheets for The Sound of “S”
Spring has sprung, and what better time to practice those “s” sounds! Did you know that the “s” sound is one of the most mispronounced sounds in the English language? According to Pronunciation Workshop, approximately half of all “s” sounds in English are pronounced as a letter “z” or “th.” For a child with a speech impediment, the “s” sound proves particularly challenging. Common in articulation disorders, a child drops the “s” sound all together such as “and,” instead of “sand”. Or a child may mispronounce the “s” sound at the beginning or end of a word, giving him a lisp.
Get Rid of that Lisp: Seven Simple Sheets for the S Sound!
What can you do to help your child with the correct pronunciation? You can start by encouraging proper tongue placement. The correct production for an “s” sound is made with the teeth nearly closed in a natural bite position and the lips parted as though smiling. The sides of the tongue are in a raised position against the upper side teeth. The tip of the tongue may vary as to the position but is usually raised to a place behind the upper front teeth. The tongue should form a groove down the center, through which the breath is directed in a continuous stream. Generally, it is best to have your child watch you make the sound, then try to copy in the mirror. Detailed tongue placement information can be found in the University of Iowa’s The Sounds of English and Spanish.
We’ve put together a simple selection of worksheets to help your child practice the sound of “s.” These worksheets and printables are designed to make sound the “s” fun. Please share your favorite with us!
- Speech TX has a large number of FREE activities to help engage and motivate children to learn speech, language and communication skills – at every level. You can also choose worksheets specifically designed to help “s” pronunciation problems at the beginning, middle, end of words or in blends.
- S Blends Tile Cards: S” Blend Tile Cards are a fun, hands-on way for students to learn and practice reading/spelling common words beginning with “s” blends.
- Super Teacher Worksheets contains worksheets and loads of printables for students to practice the sound of “s” in every position.
- Kidzone Learning Letters offers a wide variety of games and activities to practice the sound of “s” and is easily organized into age groups.
- Education.com is a good website that help teach the child reading, writing and sounding out the letter “s”. There is a large preschool selection that you and your child can do together.
- Phonics Worksheets for Kids: a comprehensive website for printables, and worksheets on pronunciation, rhyming, reading and more.
- Speech Buddies University: our online game center where you can play fun word games with your child. Choose the “s” sound to get started and go through beginning, intermediate and advanced games developed by a speech therapist to help get rid of that lisp for good!
Happy Spring!
