Speech development is a fascinating journey, but it can sometimes come with challenges. One common issue is when children say the /th/ sound instead of /s/, leading to words like “thing” instead of “sing” or “thun” instead of “sun.” This speech sound substitution—often called a frontal lisp—is part of a broader area professionals refer to as speech sound correction.
While it can be cute in early childhood, if this pattern persists beyond the age of five or six, it may affect a child’s confidence, clarity, and communication with others. The good news? With the right techniques and support, this type of sound error can be corrected effectively.
Understanding Why ‘Th’ Replaces ‘S’
The /s/ sound requires a precise placement of the tongue—behind the top teeth, with air flowing through a narrow space. Some children, however, push their tongue forward or through their teeth, creating the /th/ sound instead. This often stems from motor coordination, sensory preferences, or simply developing speech habits without awareness of correct articulation.
Parents might not always catch this because the /th/ is still a recognisable sound, and children can still be understood. But over time, this subtle difference can make them feel self-conscious, especially in school or social settings.
Speech Sound Correction with Visual Strategies
A proven way to help children correct this pattern is by introducing visual and conceptual cues. One particularly effective method is the “snake in the cage” strategy.
Here’s how it works:
- The “snake” represents the /s/ sound—long and hissy.
- The “cage” is the child’s teeth.
- The key message is: “Keep the snake inside the cage.”
This metaphor encourages the child to keep their tongue behind their teeth (in the “cage”) and prevents it from sticking out (which creates the /th/ sound). Not only is this a helpful cue for placement, but it also engages a child’s imagination, making learning more fun and less clinical.
This technique also helps caregivers and teachers guide speech at home and in classrooms. When a child hears, “Oops, the snake escaped!” they know exactly what to correct.
Making Speech Sound Correction Fun and Functional
Children learn best through repetition, routine, and play. Here are some simple ways to practice speech sound correction at home:
- Storytelling: Create short stories using lots of /s/ sounds. Make it silly!
- Mirror play: Use a mirror so they can see where their tongue is.
- Games: Play “Snake or Not?” where the child listens and decides if the /s/ sound was made correctly.
- Praise attempts: Encourage effort as much as correctness. Building confidence is key.
Parents don’t need to be speech therapists—but they can be effective coaches with the right tools and encouragement.
When to Seek Professional Support
If your child continues to substitute /th/ for /s/ past age 5–6, or if it’s impacting their ability to be understood, it may be time for professional support. A qualified speech-language pathologist can assess the underlying cause and develop a personalised therapy plan.
Therapy typically includes structured exercises, play-based learning, and guided correction, often supported by fun resources like games, visual prompts, and storytelling tools.
Speech Sound Correction with Wellness Experts
At Wellness Experts, we understand that every child’s communication journey is unique. Our NDIS-registered speech therapists use engaging, evidence-based approaches—like the “snake in the cage” strategy—to support speech clarity and confidence.
Whether it’s articulation, language development, or social communication, our team is here to help children thrive with the tools they need to speak with ease.
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📞 Call us at 1300 924 188
📧 Email: admin@wellnessexperts.com.au
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Let’s work together to make speech fun, clear, and empowering—for every child.