Medial CH Words for Speech Therapy

Medial CH Words are words that have the /CH/ sound in the middle, such as beach ball, catcher, and catching. This list has 20 medial-position CH words for speech therapy practice, and most children master the /CH/ sound by age 4-6.

CH words in the middle: beach ball, catcher, catching, hatching, kitchen, ketchup, lunches, marching, matching, nature — plus 10 more below. Medial position surrounds the target sound with other sounds, which builds fluency and carryover into connected speech.

Words:20
Position:Medial

Medial CH Words — Full List (20 Words)

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

beach ballcatchercatchinghatchingkitchenketchuplunchesmarchingmatchingnatureorchardpicturepitcherreachingrichessandwichteachertouchdownwatchingwitches
Practice these words with games

How to Practice Medial CH Words at Home

Strategies for practicing the /CH/ sound in the middle of words.

1

Break words into syllables and have your child practice the syllable containing the /CH/ sound first, then put the word back together.

2

Medial position words can be trickier because the /CH/ sound is surrounded by other sounds. Slow the word down so your child can feel each part.

3

Clap out the syllables of each word and emphasize the syllable with the /CH/ sound.

4

Use these words in short, natural phrases (e.g., "I see a beach ball") to practice in connected speech.

5

Once your child can say the word slowly with the correct /CH/ sound, gradually speed up to a natural pace.

Practice Sentences with Medial CH Words

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

The teacher checked the children in the kitchen.

Chuck munched on a cheese sandwich for lunch.

The pitcher threw a pitch and the catcher caught it.

Medial CH Words — Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of CH words in the medial position?
This page lists 20 CH words that have the /CH/ sound in the middle, including beach ball, catcher, catching, hatching, kitchen, ketchup, lunches, marching, matching, nature.
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 medial CH words at home?
Break words into syllables and have your child practice the syllable containing the /CH/ sound first, then put the word back together. Medial position words can be trickier because the /CH/ sound is surrounded by other sounds. Slow the word down so your child can feel each part.

More CH Word Lists & Resources

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

Initial 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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