Medial SH Words for Speech Therapy

Medial SH Words are words that have the /SH/ sound in the middle, such as bushes, cashew, and cushion. This list has 20 medial-position SH words for speech therapy practice, and most children master the /SH/ sound by age 4-6.

SH words in the middle: bushes, cashew, cushion, dishes, eyelash, fishing, lotion, machine, mushroom, ocean — 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 SH Words — Full List (20 Words)

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

bushescashewcushiondisheseyelashfishinglotionmachinemushroomoceanpushingrushingseashellsunshinetissuewashingwishingfashionmotionnation
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How to Practice Medial SH Words at Home

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

1

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

2

Medial position words can be trickier because the /SH/ 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 /SH/ sound.

4

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

5

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

Practice Sentences with Medial SH Words

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

Please put the dishes in the washing machine.

She wished for a fish-shaped cushion.

The sunshine made the ocean shimmer and shine.

Sherman wore a sharp shirt to the fashion show.

The shy sheep shuffled through the bushes.

Medial SH Words — Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of SH words in the medial position?
This page lists 20 SH words that have the /SH/ sound in the middle, including bushes, cashew, cushion, dishes, eyelash, fishing, lotion, machine, mushroom, ocean.
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 medial SH words at home?
Break words into syllables and have your child practice the syllable containing the /SH/ sound first, then put the word back together. Medial position words can be trickier because the /SH/ sound is surrounded by other sounds. Slow the word down so your child can feel each part.

More SH Word Lists & Resources

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

Initial 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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