If your child is struggling with how to pronounce ”TH” in English, they're not alone. The “th” sound in English pronunciation is one of the trickiest sounds for non-native speakers — especially young learners who are just beginning their journey into spoken English.
Unlike many other languages, English uses a sound made by placing the tongue gently between the teeth — something that might feel strange at first. Whether you're learning how to pronounce the “TH “sound yourself or helping your child master it, this guide will show you everything you need to know — in a fun and simple way.
At Learnlink, we believe every child can learn to speak confidently and correctly. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide filled with practical advice, engaging exercises, and fun ways to practice the “TH” sound .
Let’s explore how to make your pronunciation clearer and more natural — one word at a time.
Why Do Kids Find the "TH" Sound Difficult?
For many children, learning English as a second language, the “TH” sound feels unfamiliar and even unnatural. This is because it doesn’t exist in many other languages — including Russian, Spanish, and Arabic.
Because of this, kids often replace it with easier sounds like “d” or “s”, turning “think” into “sink”, or “this” into “dis”. But don’t worry — this is completely normal and fixable with the right guidance.
- The Challenge of New Sounds in a Foreign Language
Learning new sounds is part of the journey when studying any language. When learning English, children must get used to new mouth positions, airflow, and even vibrations in the throat — all things they may never have done before.
This is exactly what makes mastering how to pronounce the “TH” sound so important. It helps them sound more like native speakers and improves their overall speech skills .
With proper practice and using “TH” words regularly, children start to feel comfortable making the sound naturally.
- Voiced vs. Voiceless TH Sounds
Did you know there are two types of “TH” sounds in English?
- For voiceless “TH”, only air comes out — no humming
- For voiced “TH”, your vocal cords should vibrate softly
Understanding how to pronounce “TH” correctly gives children the tools to refine your pronunciation and communicate more clearly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the "TH" Sound
Learning how to make the “TH” sound doesn't have to be complicated. Here's a simple way to teach kids how to pronounce the “TH” sound clearly and correctly.
Positioning the Tongue Correctly
Start by explaining where the tongue should go:
- Gently push the tip of the tongue between the teeth
- Don’t bite down too hard
- Keep the tongue relaxed and slightly visible
You can use a small hand mirror so they can see what they’re doing. Try saying the word “think” while watching the mirror — if the tongue stays behind the teeth, the sound won’t come out right!
This visual feedback helps children understand focusing on tongue placement, which is essential for accurately pronouncing the “TH” sound.
Using Airflow and Voice
Once the tongue is in position, focus on airflow and voice :
- For voiceless “TH”, like in “thank”, blow air out gently — no voice
- For voiced “TH”, like in “they”, imagine you're tickling the inside of your throat — that’s the vibration you need!
Try these together:
- Voiceless : thin, thick, Thursday
- Voiced : those, then, though
This helps kids identify the difference between the two types of “TH” sounds and apply it in real-life speaking.
Practicing with Common Words
Repetition is key to success. Start with simple words that have the “TH” sound, and gradually move to longer sentences.
Here’s a list to try:
- Voiceless : thumb, third, thick, thoughtful, therapy
- Voiced : their, they, those, thus, though
Encourage your child to repeat each word slowly, checking their tongue placement and airflow every time. You can also use “TH” pronunciation tongue twisters to make the process fun and interactive.
Fun Tips to Help Kids Master the "TH" Sound
Learning doesn’t have to be boring! Here are some creative ways to practice the “TH” sound that will keep your little learner engaged.
- Use Visual Aids and Mirrors
Mirrors are great tools for visual learning . Let your child watch themselves while trying to say “three” or “that”. Seeing the tongue between the teeth helps them understand what correct positioning looks like.
You can also draw a simple diagram of the mouth or print out images from online resources to show how to pronounce the “TH” sound .
This kind of support helps improve your pronunciation in a fun and memorable way.
- Play Word Games
Make it a game! Try matching games or flashcards with “TH” words. You can even create a “TH Hunt” around the house — find objects that start with “TH” or have the sound inside.
Some fun words to play with:
- Thumb
- Thumbs-up
- Thread
- Throat
- Thirsty
These “TH” pronunciation practice activities turn learning into play and help children practice the “TH” sound without feeling overwhelmed.
- Try the “Tongue Tickling” Trick
Tell your child to pretend they’re tickling their tongue with their top teeth. This silly trick helps them remember to put their tongue forward.
Try repeating phrases like:
- Thirty-three thieves thought they’d thrive
- This thing thrills them
They’ll laugh, they’ll try again, and soon enough, they’ll get it right!
This playful approach makes mastering the “TH” sound much easier and more enjoyable.
The difference between the two types of “TH” sound lies in whether or not the voice is used:
How Parents and Teachers Can Support Learning
Support plays a huge role in mastering any new skill — especially how to pronounce “TH” .
Here’s how you can help your child improve your pronunciation and stay motivated along the way.
- Be Patient and Encouraging
Children often feel shy or frustrated when they struggle with sounds. Reassure them that it’s okay to make mistakes and that everyone finds it tricky at first.
Celebrate small wins — like getting the tongue between the teeth for the first time — and praise effort, not just perfection.
- Model the Sound Clearly
Speak slowly and clearly when demonstrating the “TH” pronunciation. Repeat the word several times so they can hear the difference between similar-sounding words like “think” and “sink”.
Say it together — and remind them it’s okay to try again and again.
Modelling helps pronouncing the “TH” sound become a habit, not a struggle.
- Use Online Resources and Videos
There are many online resources for “TH” pronunciation , including videos, songs, and interactive exercises. Watching native speakers say the words helps kids understand how to pronounce the “TH” sound naturally.
Try searching for:
“TH pronunciation practice for kids”
“How to say TH sound – animated lessons”
“TH tongue twisters for children”
These visual and auditory tools make learning easier and more engaging.
You can also use YouTube or educational apps to find example sentences and follow along with native speakers.
Final Thoughts – Keep Practicing!
Mastering the “TH” pronunciation isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time, patience, and consistent practice. But with fun tricks, daily repetition, and positive reinforcement, your child will begin to feel more confident in their speech.
- Make It a Daily Habit
Just like brushing teeth or reading a bedtime story, practicing how to pronounce the “TH” sound should become part of the routine. Even five minutes a day can make a big difference.
Spend time repeating “TH” words together. Try a short “TH” tongue twister each morning — and watch how quickly they improve!
This kind of daily practice ensures long-term progress and builds strong speaking habits.
- Celebrate Small Improvements
Every time your child gets the tongue between their teeth or says “this” instead of “dis”, celebrate it!
Give them a high-five, a sticker, or a fun phrase like “Great job! Your “TH” sounds are getting stronger!”
Positive feedback builds confidence — and that’s what makes real progress happen.
Also, let them know it’s okay to make the sound in front of others, even if it feels silly at first. With time, it will feel completely natural.
Summary Table: Types of TH Sounds and Examples
More Practice Ideas to Help Children Improve
Here are a few more ways to practice the “TH” sound that you can try together:
- Sing Along to Songs
Look for songs that include TH words in English , such as nursery rhymes or phonics videos.
- Use Flashcards
Create cards with pictures and words like “thumb,” “teeth,” and “thread.” Ask your child to say the word and check their tongue placement.
- Repeat Sentences Together
Say full sentences aloud and encourage your child to copy you:
- Thank you for the thread.
- This is the third time today.
This helps build your child’s confidence in speaking and improves clarity over time.
