26 Teaching /ʃ/ with a Quiet Voice Cue
Katy Lord
Guided Practice Script
Now, we’re going to practice saying “ssshhhhhh”, like when the teacher wants you to be quiet in class, okay? You ready? Don’t turn on your voice, keep it off, just like when your teacher tells you to “shush”. That means to be quiet, right? So we aren’t going to turn on our voice for this one. Only make air like wind come out. [1]
First, make a /s/ sound for a long time! [2] Keep doing and push out your lips [1] like you’re giving a kiss! [3] Awesome!
Ok, now, put your finger up to your mouth like you’re telling someone to “sshhh”. [3] Doing that will help you remember to keep your lips out like a kiss to make the /ʃ/ sound!
Now say, “hush, shush, ssshhhh”![4]
Target Techniques and Considerations
Eliciting Techniques in Script
- Phonetic placement
- Sound approximation
- Verbal instructions using a metaphor AND a touch cue
- Facilitating contexts
Common /ʃ/ Sound Errors
- Error pattern: /s/ substituted for /ʃ/
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- Likely cause: The phonological pattern of fronting, where a sound is replaced with one further forward in phonetic placement; /ʃ/ is further forward than /s/, so when a /ʃ/ is substituted with /s/, it is fronting.
Relevant Dialectical Considerations
- Japanese speakers often substitute the /ʃ/ sound with the /h/ sound; “Shelter” /ʃɛltɚ/ may be pronounced /hɛltɚ/.
