Introduction to Th Words in Speech Therapy

Hello, parents! If your child is working on the TH sound, this guide has your back. TH can be voiceless (as in thumb) or voiced (as in this). Both are made by gently placing the tongue between the teeth and blowing air. TH is usually mastered between ages 5–7 and is one of the trickiest sounds. Kids often replace it with F (“fumb” for thumb) or D (“dat” for that). This article includes TH initial, medial, and final word lists for both types of TH, plus easy ways to practice at home.

Th Words Speech Therapy Printable PDF Worksheet

Understanding Th Word Positions

• Initial TH Words: Begin with TH, like thumb or that, where the tongue pops lightly between the teeth.
• Medial TH Words: Have TH in the middle, like bathing or weather.
• Final TH Words: End with TH, like bath or teeth, requiring a soft, airy finish.

Lists of Th Words for Practice

Here are simple, kid-friendly Th word lists for home use, ideal for daily chatter or play.

Th Initial Words

• Third
• Throw
• Thank you
• Thirsty
• Thigh
• Theater
• Thermometer
• Three
• Thread
• Throat
• Thumbs up
• Think
• Therapy
• Thongs
• Thirty
• Thunder

Th Medial Words

• Birthday
• Feather
• Bathtub
• Earthquake
• Toothbrush
• Bathroom
• Bathingsuit
• Mouthwash
• Lighthouse
• Brothers
• Healthy
• Weather
• Bathing
• Tetherball
• Toothpaste
• Bathrobe

Th Final Words

• Sloth
• Cloth
• Booth
• Moth
• Tooth
• Wreath
• Froth
• Faith
• North
• Strength
• Earth
• Mouth
• Bath
• Breath
• Path
• Growth

Tips for Parents to Support Practice

Here’s how to help your child with Th words at home:

Show the Tongue: Exaggerate the movement — “Look, my tongue sticks out!”
Use a Mirror: Kids love watching themselves say TH correctly.
Gentle Airflow: Model a long “thhhhh” without buzzing for voiceless words.
Add Buzz for Voiced: Place a hand on your throat to feel vibration for this, that, these.
Play Games: “Find the thumb,” “Throw the thing,” “Mother says…
Celebrate Attempts: TH is tough — cheer every try.

If your child swaps TH for F or D, a speech therapist can help fix placement.

Conclusion

TH brings clarity and detail to speech, and with these word lists and simple activities, you can help your child master both versions. Keep practice light and playful, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist if needed — your guidance makes all the difference!