How to Teach L Sound: Articulation Activities, and Word Lists for Effective Speech Therapy

The “L” sound is also known as the lateral sound and is produced by elevating the tip of the tongue towards the alveolar ridge, which is the bumpy ridge behind the upper front teeth, and allowing air to flow out laterally around the sides of the tongue. To produce the “L” sound, place the tip of your tongue behind your upper front teeth and elevate it towards the alveolar ridge. Keep your lips relaxed and slightly apart. Exhale air gently while allowing it to flow out around the sides of your tongue. Be sure to keep the back of your tongue relaxed and in a neutral position to prevent tension in the throat.

Here are few tips to you can follow to teach the “L” sound:

Demonstrate the sound: Start by demonstrating the “L” sound for your child. Make the sound and have your child watch your lips and mouth movements. Explain that the sound is made by placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth and letting air pass around the sides.

Visual Cue: how the child how to place the tip of their tongue behind their upper front teeth, and then curl their tongue upward towards the roof of their mouth. The sides of the tongue should touch the upper molars on both sides of the mouth. You can use a mirror to help the child see how their tongue is positioned. You can also use a visual cue such as a picture or flashcard of an “L” to help your child remember the sound.

Understand the sound: Help your child understand that the “L” sound is a consonant made by placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth and letting air pass around the sides.

Practice Blowing: Help your child get used to the sensation of blowing out air with their mouth by having them practice blowing bubbles, blowing feathers across a table, or blowing out candles.

Practice Tongue Placement: Show your child how to keep their tongue relaxed and touching the roof of their mouth while making the “L” sound. You can make it more fun by having them imitate animal sounds, such as a lion’s roar or a snake’s hiss, while using the “L” sound.

Practice in Isolation: Once your child has mastered the correct tongue and mouth position, have them practice making the “L” sound on its own without any other sounds.

Add Syllables: After your child has mastered the “L” sound in isolation, have them practice using it in different syllables, such as “la,” “le,” and “lo.” You can make it more fun by having them say words like “lollipop,” “lemonade,” and “lizard.”

Practice in Words: Once your child has mastered the “L” sound in syllables, have them practice using it in different words such as “lion,” “love,” and “little.”

Practice in Phrases: After your child has mastered the “L” sound in words, have them practice using it in phrases like “big lion,” “I love you,” and “little lamb.”

Practice in Sentences: Finally, have your child practice using the “L” sound in different sentences such as “The lion is big,” “I love my family,” and “The little girl has a lamb.”

Practice Everywhere: Encourage your child to practice using the “L” sound in different contexts, such as during playtime, mealtime, or while reading books. You can also make it more fun by having them use the “L” sound in different accents or dialects.

Download Printable PDF L Sound Initial Word List Articulation Worksheet

Free L interactive audio flashcards featuring words with the “L” sound words can be a useful tool for improving pronunciation and vocabulary.