Steps to Make the /H/ Sound:
- Open your mouth.
- Relax your tongue.
- Breathe out without turning on your voice box (i.e., do not vibrate your throat).
Helpful Tips:
- Isolate the sound: When teaching or practicing the /h/ sound, avoid adding an 'uh' after the sound (e.g., /h/ vs. /huh/). This ensures the sound is isolated and clear.
- Pant like a dog: Encourage the child to make the sound like they are panting: “h-h-h-h-h.” Or, suggest they imitate Santa’s “ho-ho-ho” sound.
- Breathe forcefully: Instruct the child to open their mouth, relax, and breathe out forcefully. To help with this, they can breathe onto their open palm or use a tissue to “dance” from the airflow.
Common Errors:
- Too much or too little breath: The most common issue with the /h/ sound is either using too much breath or not enough. Guide the child to find an appropriate amount of air pressure to produce a correct /h/ sound.
Important Notes:
Do not practice incorrectly: If the child continues to produce the sound incorrectly after a few attempts, stop and consult with a speech-language pathologist for guidance. These tips are not meant to replace professional advice, as improper practice can lead to more issues.
References:
Secord, W. A., Boyce, S. E., Donohue, J. S., Fox, R. A., & Shine, R. E. (2007). Eliciting Sounds, Techniques and Strategies for Clinicians (2nd ed.). Delmar, Cengage Learning.