Initial CL Blend Words for Speech Therapy

Initial CL Blend Words are words that start with the /cl/ sound, such as close, clear, and clean. This list has 14 initial-position CL Blend words for speech therapy practice, and most children master the /cl/ sound by age 6.

CL Blend words at the beginning: close, clear, clean, class, clothes, club, closed, client, closer, claire — plus 4 more below. Initial position puts the target sound at the very start, which makes it the easiest place to introduce a new sound.

Words:14
Position:Initial

Initial CL Blend Words — Full List (14 Words)

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

closeclearcleanclassclothesclubclosedclientcloserclaireclearlycleverclosetclosing
Practice these words with games

How to Practice Initial CL Blend Words at Home

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

1

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

2

Use a mirror so your child can watch their mouth as they start each word with the /cl/ 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 /cl/ sound to make practice feel like a game.

5

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

Initial CL Blend Words — Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of CL Blend words in the initial position?
This page lists 14 CL Blend words that start with the /cl/ sound, including close, clear, clean, class, clothes, club, closed, client, closer, claire.
What age should a child master the CL Blend sound?
Most children master the /cl/ blend by age 6. Blends arrive after the sounds they are made of: the /K/ and /L/ sounds each have to be reliable on their own before the cluster will hold, which is also the order to practise them in. Two-sound blends are generally in place somewhere between ages 4 and 7, tracking the sounds inside them — the ones containing /L/ or /R/ come in later than the rest.
How do you make the CL Blend sound?
Because the tongue moves a long way, slow the two halves right down: "kuh…luh…clock", then speed up. Listen for the /l/ being dropped altogether ("cock" for "clock") or replaced with a /w/, both of which point back to the /l/ singleton.
What are common CL Blend sound errors?
The most common /cl/ errors are: Cluster reduction — producing only the /K/ sound and dropping the rest of the blend. This is by far the most common blend error.; Cluster reduction — producing only the /L/ sound and dropping the rest of the blend. This is by far the most common blend error.; Gliding — the /L/ inside the blend turning into a /W/, so the cluster keeps both sounds but loses the /L/..
How do you practice initial CL Blend words at home?
Start by saying the /cl/ sound in isolation, then immediately follow it with the vowel in the word. For example, stretch out "close" as "cl...close". Use a mirror so your child can watch their mouth as they start each word with the /cl/ sound.

More CL Blend Word Lists & Resources

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

Medial CL Blend Words

14 words with tips

CL Blend Guide

How to make it, common errors, FAQ

All CL Blend Words

Complete 28-word list, all positions

Speech Sound Development Chart

What age each sound should appear

Speech Therapy Games

Practice CL Blend words with interactive activities

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