Initial SH Words for Speech Therapy

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

SH words at the beginning: shake, shape, share, shark, sharp, sheep, shell, ship, shirt, shoe — 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 SH Words — Full List (20 Words)

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

shakeshapesharesharksharpsheepshellshipshirtshoeshopshortshouldershowshowershrimpshutshadowshinyshovel
Practice these words with games

How to Practice Initial SH Words at Home

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

1

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

2

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

5

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

Practice Sentences with Initial SH Words

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

Shelly shared her shiny shells by the seashore.

The ship sailed through the shadow of the shark.

Sherman wore a sharp shirt to the fashion show.

Brush your teeth before the shower, please.

The shy sheep shuffled through the bushes.

Initial SH Words — Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of SH words in the initial position?
This page lists 20 SH words that start with the /SH/ sound, including shake, shape, share, shark, sharp, sheep, shell, ship, shirt, shoe.
What age should a child master the SH sound?
Most children master the /SH/ sound by age 4-6. It is one of the earlier-developing fricatives and often emerges naturally as children begin to produce more complex sounds.
How do you make the SH sound?
Round your lips slightly and push them forward, as if about to blow a kiss. Pull your tongue back so the wide front part is near the roof of your mouth, just behind the bumpy ridge. The sides of your tongue should touch your upper back teeth. Blow air through the channel between your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Your voice stays off — it should sound like you are saying "shhh" to quiet someone.
What are common SH sound errors?
The most common /SH/ errors are: Substituting /S/ for /SH/ (e.g., "soe" for "shoe"); Not rounding the lips enough, causing the sound to come out as /S/; Tongue positioned too far forward, resulting in a lisp-like distortion; Substituting /CH/ for /SH/ (e.g., "choe" for "shoe"); Producing a lateral (side-air-escape) version of /SH/.
How do you practice initial SH words at home?
Start by saying the /SH/ sound in isolation, then immediately follow it with the vowel in the word. For example, stretch out "shake" as "SH...shake". Use a mirror so your child can watch their mouth as they start each word with the /SH/ sound.

More SH Word Lists & Resources

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

Medial SH Words

20 words with tips

Final SH Words

20 words with tips

SH Sound Guide

How to make it, common errors, FAQ

All SH Words

Complete 60-word list, all positions

Speech Sound Development Chart

What age each sound should appear

Speech Therapy Games

Practice SH words with interactive activities

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