60 SH Words for Speech Therapy

This list has 60 SH words for speech therapy: 20 with the /SH/ 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 /SH/ sound by age 4-6.

Example SH words: shake, shape, share, shark, sharp (beginning); bushes, cashew, cushion, dishes, eyelash (middle); brush, bush, cash, crash, dish (end).

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

Initial SH Words (20)

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

shakeshapesharesharksharpsheepshellshipshirtshoeshopshortshouldershowshowershrimpshutshadowshinyshovel
View initial position practice tips

Medial SH Words (20)

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

bushescashewcushiondisheseyelashfishinglotionmachinemushroomoceanpushingrushingseashellsunshinetissuewashingwishingfashionmotionnation
View medial position practice tips

Final SH Words (20)

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

brushbushcashcrashdishfishflashfreshleashmoustachepushrushsplashsquashtrashwashwishfinishpolishvanish
View final position practice tips

About the SH Sound

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

The /SH/ sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative. It is produced by rounding the lips slightly and pulling the tongue back so the broad front of the tongue is close to the roof of the mouth behind the alveolar ridge. Air is pushed through this wide channel, creating a hushing noise.

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 to Practice SH 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 /SH/ 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.

SH Words — Frequently Asked Questions

What are some SH words for speech therapy?
Common /SH/ words include shake, shape, share, shark, sharp at the beginning of a word, bushes, cashew, cushion, dishes, eyelash in the middle, and brush, bush, cash, crash, dish at the end. This page lists 60 in total.
How many SH 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 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/.

More SH Sound Resources

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

SH Sound Guide

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

Initial SH Words

20 words with practice tips and sentences

Medial SH Words

20 words with practice tips and sentences

Final SH 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 SH words beyond the list

Practice with Games

8 interactive games for the /SH/ sound

Practice SH Words with Interactive Games

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

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