60 CH Words for Speech Therapy

This list has 60 CH words for speech therapy: 20 with the /CH/ sound at the beginning, 20 in the middle, and 20 at the end. Use them for practice at home or in the clinic, and expect most children to master the /CH/ sound by age 4-6.

Example CH words: chair, chalk, chance, change, chase (beginning); beach ball, catcher, catching, hatching, kitchen (middle); beach, bench, branch, catch, coach (end).

Total words:60
Initial:20
Medial:20
Final:20

Initial CH Words (20)

Words with the /CH/ sound at the beginning. 20 words for speech therapy practice.

chairchalkchancechangechasecheapcheckcheesecherrychestchickchickenchildchinchipchocolatechoosechopchurchchampion
View initial position practice tips

Medial CH Words (20)

Words with the /CH/ sound in the middle. 20 words for speech therapy practice.

beach ballcatchercatchinghatchingkitchenketchuplunchesmarchingmatchingnatureorchardpicturepitcherreachingrichessandwichteachertouchdownwatchingwitches
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Final CH Words (20)

Words with the /CH/ sound at the end. 20 words for speech therapy practice.

beachbenchbranchcatchcoachcouchditcheachhatchinchlunchmatchmuchpatchpeachpouchreachrichsuchtouch
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About the CH Sound

Background information to help you support your child's speech development.

The /CH/ sound is a voiceless postalveolar affricate. It is a combination of /T/ and /SH/ produced in rapid succession. The tongue starts in the /T/ position (pressed against the ridge behind the upper teeth) and quickly releases into the /SH/ position, creating a short burst of friction.

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 to Practice CH Words at Home

Evidence-based strategies for getting the most out of word list practice.

1

Start with just 5 words at a time. Short, focused practice sessions (5-10 minutes) are more effective than long ones.

2

Say each word slowly and clearly so your child can hear the /CH/ sound. Exaggerate the sound slightly.

3

Practice words in all three positions (initial, medial, final) but focus on whichever position your child finds easiest first.

4

Once individual words are easy, combine them into short phrases and sentences for carryover practice.

5

Use a mirror during practice so your child can see their mouth movements and compare them to yours.

6

Keep it fun — turn the word list into a game, use stickers as rewards, or practice during everyday activities.

CH Words — Frequently Asked Questions

What are some CH words for speech therapy?
Common /CH/ words include chair, chalk, chance, change, chase at the beginning of a word, beach ball, catcher, catching, hatching, kitchen in the middle, and beach, bench, branch, catch, coach at the end. This page lists 60 in total.
How many CH words are on this list?
60: 20 initial-position words, 20 medial-position words, and 20 final-position words.
At 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.

More CH Sound Resources

Explore our complete guide, position-specific lists, and interactive games for the /CH/ sound.

CH Sound Guide

How to make it, common errors, tips, and FAQ

Initial CH Words

20 words with practice tips and sentences

Medial CH Words

20 words with practice tips and sentences

Final CH Words

20 words with practice tips and sentences

Speech Sound Development Chart

What age each speech sound should appear

All Speech Therapy Word Lists

Word lists for every sound we cover

Speech Therapy Activities

Ways to practice CH words beyond the list

Practice with Games

8 interactive games for the /CH/ sound

Practice CH Words with Interactive Games

Turn this word list into fun practice sessions with pronunciation games, stories, and flashcards targeting the /CH/ sound.

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