Initial CH Words for Speech Therapy

Initial CH Words are words that start with the /CH/ sound, such as chair, chalk, and chance. This list has 20 initial-position CH words for speech therapy practice, and most children master the /CH/ sound by age 4-6.

CH words at the beginning: chair, chalk, chance, change, chase, cheap, check, cheese, cherry, chest — plus 10 more below. Initial position puts the target sound at the very start, which makes it the easiest place to introduce a new sound.

Words:20
Position:Initial

Initial CH Words — Full List (20 Words)

Every word below starts with the /CH/ sound. Work through five at a time rather than the whole list in one sitting.

chairchalkchancechangechasecheapcheckcheesecherrychestchickchickenchildchinchipchocolatechoosechopchurchchampion
Practice these words with games

How to Practice Initial CH Words at Home

Strategies for practicing the /CH/ sound at the beginning of words.

1

Start by saying the /CH/ sound in isolation, then immediately follow it with the vowel in the word. For example, stretch out "chair" as "CH...chair".

2

Use a mirror so your child can watch their mouth as they start each word with the /CH/ sound.

3

Practice just the first syllable of each word before saying the whole word. This builds confidence with the sound at the start.

4

Play "I Spy" with objects that start with the /CH/ sound to make practice feel like a game.

5

Read books together and have your child point out words that begin with the /CH/ sound.

Practice Sentences with Initial CH Words

Read these sentences aloud. Words with the /CH/ sound in initial position are highlighted.

Charlie chose chocolate chip cookies and cherry cheesecake.

Each child had a chance to choose a peach.

The chick hatched and chirped on the church porch.

The champion marched to the couch to watch the match.

Chuck munched on a cheese sandwich for lunch.

Initial CH Words — Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of CH words in the initial position?
This page lists 20 CH words that start with the /CH/ sound, including chair, chalk, chance, change, chase, cheap, check, cheese, cherry, chest.
What age should a child master the CH sound?
Most children master the /CH/ sound by age 4-6. It often develops after a child has acquired /T/ and /SH/ individually, since /CH/ is a combination of these two sounds.
How do you make the CH sound?
Start with your tongue tip pressed firmly against the ridge behind your upper front teeth, as if you are about to say /T/. Round your lips slightly. Then quickly release the tongue into the /SH/ position, letting a burst of air escape. The result is a quick, sharp sound — like the sound of a train: "ch-ch-ch." Your voice stays off.
What are common CH sound errors?
The most common /CH/ errors are: Substituting /SH/ for /CH/ (e.g., "shair" for "chair"); Substituting /T/ for /CH/ (e.g., "tair" for "chair"); Substituting /TS/ for /CH/ (e.g., "tsair" for "chair"); Producing /CH/ without enough lip rounding; Making the sound too prolonged instead of a quick burst.
How do you practice initial CH words at home?
Start by saying the /CH/ sound in isolation, then immediately follow it with the vowel in the word. For example, stretch out "chair" as "CH...chair". Use a mirror so your child can watch their mouth as they start each word with the /CH/ sound.

More CH Word Lists & Resources

Practice the /CH/ sound in the other word positions, or use the full sound guide and word list.

Medial CH Words

20 words with tips

Final CH Words

20 words with tips

CH Sound Guide

How to make it, common errors, FAQ

All CH Words

Complete 60-word list, all positions

Speech Sound Development Chart

What age each sound should appear

Speech Therapy Games

Practice CH words with interactive activities

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