06/12/2025
I spent today practising the “s” sound with a few little superstars, and it got me thinking… Christmas is FULL of “s” words! Santa, snow, sleigh, stocking, star, snowman - it’s like the season was made for speech practice, and the perfect opportunity to sneak some speech practice into festive fun. 🎅✨
So if it's a sound your little one struggles with, here are a few pointers:
🔤 How to Make the “S” Sound
- Smile slightly – lips apart, not rounded.
- Tip of the tongue stays behind the teeth (like you’re quietly saying “sssssss”).
- Long, gentle airflow – think of a “snake sound.”
- If the s is coming out like a “th” or “sh,” try saying a quiet “t” and stretching it into an “ssss.” (t → ts → s)
🎁 And here are some Christmas-Themed Ways to Practise the S Sound:
1️⃣ I-Spy with Christmas Words
“I spy something beginning with s…”
⭐ star, 🎅 Santa, ❄️ snow, 🧦 stocking
This builds awareness of initial sounds without feeling like speech practice.
2️⃣ Decorating with S-Words
As you hang each decoration, name it together and stretch the s:
“Ssssparkly star,” “Sssnowy ornament,” “Sssilver tinsel.”
3️⃣ S-Blend Treasure Hunt
Hide small objects or pictures around the room:
• sl = sleigh, sleigh bell
• sn = snowman, snowflake
• st = star, stocking
• sp = sparkle, spoon (hot chocolate!)
Say the blend together before finding each item: “Let’s find something that starts with st-!”
4️⃣ Christmas Story Pause-and-Say
When reading festive books, pause at s-words and let your child fill them in: “Santa looked at the big shiny… (⭐ star!)”
Here’s to a season full of stars, snowflakes, stockings… and lots of lovely “sss” sounds! ❄️⭐
