How is the CH sound made?
CH is what speech folks call an affricate. That just means it's two sounds glued together: a quick stop (like "t") followed by a fast burst of air (like "sh"). Your child's tongue tip lifts to the ridge behind the top teeth, blocks the air for a split second, then releases it in one short puff. There's no need to explain any of this to your child. Just say the word normally, a little slower than usual, and let them watch your mouth.
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Download the free PDF See all free printablesAt what age do most kids say the CH sound correctly?
According to a research review of US studies on speech sound development, most children have the CH sound solidly in place by around age 4, alongside sounds like l, j, s, v, sh, and z. Some kids are still refining it until closer to age 5, which still falls in the expected window. This lines up with the general pattern where easier sounds like p, b, m, and h show up by age 2 to 3, and trickier ones like r and th take until age 5 or 6. You can see the full sequence in our articulation guide to sound development by age, and the original research summary is available through ASHA's consonant age of acquisition chart.
| Age | What's typical for CH |
|---|---|
| Under 3 | CH is not expected yet. Substitutions like "tip" for "chip" or "tair" for "chair" are normal. |
| 3 to 3.5 | CH may still be inconsistent or replaced by other sounds. This is still within the normal range. |
| 3.5 to 5 | CH typically emerges and becomes more consistent during this window. |
| 4 and up | Most children use CH clearly and consistently across words. |
| 5 and beyond | CH should be reliable. Ongoing difficulty is worth mentioning to an SLP. |
CH sound words: beginning, middle, and end
Use these lists to model, play "I spy," or turn into a quick game during any of the routines below. Pick two or three words at a time rather than drilling the whole list.
CH at the beginning of words
| Word | Word |
|---|---|
| chip | cheese |
| chair | chin |
| chicken | cherry |
| chalk | chop |
| church | choo-choo |
| chomp | chunk |
CH in the middle of words
| Word | Word |
|---|---|
| kitchen | teacher |
| lunchbox | ketchup |
| picture | nature |
| orchard | sandwich |
| bachelor | ranch house |
CH at the end of words
| Word | Word |
|---|---|
| watch | lunch |
| beach | couch |
| peach | touch |
| bench | match |
| porch | coach |
A simple routine for practicing CH
The easiest way to build this sound is to stop treating it like homework. Pick one small moment in your day, keep it under a minute, and let it stay playful. Model the word clearly once or twice, give your child a real reason to say it (not just repeat it back), and move on. You can find more ideas like this in our daily speech routines hub.
| Routine | How to practice CH |
|---|---|
| Bedtime story | Pick one book and pause right before a chip, cheese, or chair on each page so your child fills it in. |
| Mealtime | Name the food and offer a choice between two CH-words, like chip, then model the pick. |
| Bath time | Pour, splash, and name the toys, stretching out the CH sound in words like chip. |
| Walks or the car | Play a spotting game for CH-things you pass, and let your child echo the word. |
Five tiny games to try
- A silly sound hunt: find CH-words hiding around the room or on a walk.
- A choice between two CH-heavy words, like offering "chip or cheese?"
- A pause right before the fun part of a book or song so your child jumps in with the word.
- A whisper-then-loud contrast with a favorite CH-word.
- One pretend-play moment where the CH word actually matters, like ordering "chips" at a pretend restaurant.
What counts as progress
Success doesn't have to mean a perfect, crisp CH every time. It can look like your child noticing the sound, watching your mouth, attempting an approximation, using the word during play, or simply tolerating one more model than they did yesterday. For many kids, especially neurodivergent kids, feeling regulated and staying engaged in the interaction matters more than nailing the articulation right away. Chasing perfect repetitions tends to backfire. Keep it light and let the sound grow at its own pace.
When should you get help for the CH sound?
If your child is younger than 3.5, skipping or simplifying CH is expected, and relaxed modeling is really all you need to do. Start paying closer attention if your child is past age 5 and CH is still consistently missing, if your child avoids talking or seems frustrated by not being understood, if speech is hard to follow across different settings and people, or if practicing sounds causes any stress at home. Any of these are good reasons to loop in a speech-language pathologist.
A clinician can figure out whether this is a straightforward articulation delay, a broader phonological pattern, a motor planning issue, a hearing concern, or something tied to language development overall. Early intervention programs work with children under 3, and public school systems evaluate kids 3 and up at no cost through their special education department. The CDC's Learn the Signs, Act Early program is a good starting point for understanding your local referral process, and the NIDCD's speech and language overview explains how evaluations typically work. You can also visit our speech delay hub for a broader look at when a delay needs a professional opinion, or head to our getting started page if you want help figuring out next steps.
Is it normal for a 3-year-old to not say the CH sound?
Yes. CH usually starts emerging between age 3.5 and 5, so a 3-year-old who substitutes another sound for CH, like saying "tip" for "chip," is right on track. Keep modeling the sound naturally without asking for repeated corrections.
Is it normal for a 4-year-old to not say the CH sound?
It can still be normal, since the full expected range runs through age 5. That said, this is a good age to start paying a little more attention, and if it feels effortful or your child seems frustrated, a quick check-in with an SLP can offer peace of mind either way.
Is it normal for a 5-year-old to not say the CH sound?
By age 5, CH is usually clear and consistent. If it's still consistently missing or replaced at this age, it's worth mentioning to your pediatrician or requesting a school-based evaluation, since most children have mastered it by now.
What sounds do kids replace CH with?
Common substitutions include "t" (chip becomes "tip"), "sh" (chip becomes "ship"), or "ts" blends. These substitutions are typical during the preschool years and usually resolve on their own as the child's tongue and airflow control mature.
Can I practice CH sounds at home without formal therapy?
Yes, for kids within the typical age range, relaxed modeling during daily routines is exactly the right approach. Say the word clearly, keep your face visible, and let your child try without pressure. Save formal practice or therapy for cases where a professional has identified a specific need.
Does stress or frustration affect how a child practices sounds?
It does. If practice starts to feel like a test, kids often get quieter or more anxious about talking altogether, which works against the goal. Keep sessions short, celebrate small attempts, and stop while it still feels good.
Little Words is here to give you practical, everyday support as your child builds their speech sounds. It's educational content, not a diagnostic tool, and it doesn't replace an evaluation from a licensed speech-language pathologist, pediatrician, early intervention provider, or school team. If you have any ongoing concern about your child's speech, please reach out to a qualified professional who can look at the full picture.