‘Th’ words for kids with pictures

Learning 'TH' words is a vital step in language development, but it can also be tricky for children. This blog covers everything parents and educators need, from understanding the difference between voiced and voiceless 'TH' sounds to building a vocabulary of common 'TH' words. Discover fun tips, age-appropriate strategies, and engaging activities to help kids master these important sounds confidently and easily!

How Can You Introduce 'th' Words to Kids ?

Introducing 'TH' words to kids can be a fun and engaging process. Start by teaching the basic sounds of 'TH'—the voiced sound (like in this or that) and the voiceless sound (like in thick or thin). Use visuals such as flashcards or pictures to connect words with objects, and incorporate simple sentences like "This is my thumb" to show how 'TH' words fit into everyday language. Encourage repetition and practice through games, rhymes, and songs to make learning interactive. By making the learning process engaging and consistent, kids will recognise and use 'TH' words confidently.

Why Is 'th' Tricky, and Why Do Some Kids Struggle?

The 'TH' sound in English can be challenging for many children because it is not a sound found in all languages, and it involves a specific tongue placement that may feel unfamiliar. Here's why 'TH' can be tricky for kids and why some might struggle with it:

1. Unique Sound Production

Unlike many other sounds in the English language, 'TH' requires placing the tongue between the teeth or just behind the top teeth. This can feel awkward for kids who are still mastering basic speech movements. Producing the two different 'TH' sounds—voiced /ð/ (as in this) and voiceless /θ/ (as in think)—can also confuse them, as the sounds are subtle yet distinct.

2. Lack of 'th' Sound in Other Languages

For children who speak languages that don’t have the 'TH' sound (like some Asian or European languages), it can be particularly difficult to learn. Instead of pronouncing 'TH' correctly, kids might substitute it with sounds they are more familiar with, such as /s/, /t/, or /d/.

3. Difficulty with the Voiced vs. Voiceless Sounds

The voiced 'TH' (like in this) requires vocal cord vibration, while the voiceless 'TH' (like in think) does not. Some kids may struggle to differentiate between these two sounds, making it harder for them to pronounce words correctly. This distinction takes time and practice to master.

4. Motor Coordination Challenges

The specific tongue placement needed for 'TH' sounds might feel uncomfortable at first. Kids need to coordinate their tongue and mouth in a way that may not come naturally. This can be a challenge, especially for younger children who are still developing their speech skills.

5. Limited Exposure

If kids are not frequently exposed to 'TH' sounds in their environment, they may not have enough practice to feel confident using these words. Lack of exposure in conversation or reading may slow their ability to pick up these sounds.

6. Individual Learning Pace

Every child develops speech skills at a different pace. Some children may pick up 'TH' sounds quickly, while others need more time and support. Kids with speech delays or other language disorders may struggle more, and in these cases, professional speech therapy can be helpful.

Understanding why the 'TH' sound is tricky can help caregivers and educators be more patient and supportive. With consistent practice and fun activities, children can gradually overcome these challenges and master the 'TH' sounds.

Study  shows that teaching "th" sounds early helps kids learn them correctly and prevents them from developing bad pronunciation habits that are harder to fix later.

The Best Age to Start Teaching 'th' Words to Kids

The best age to start teaching 'TH' words is typically between 4 to 6 years old. At this age, children are developing their speech skills and are ready to experiment with more complex sounds. While some kids may begin using simple 'TH' words around age 4, most can master them more confidently between 5 and 6 years old. However, every child develops at their own pace, so some may need more time or support. If needed, a speech-language pathologist can help guide the process.

Research indicates children generally master the voiced "th" words by age 5 and voiceless "th" words by age 6, aligning with typical speech sound development milestones.

Understanding Voiced and Voiceless th words

The 'TH' sound in English comes in two forms: voiced and voiceless. The difference between the "Dha" sound (as in "this") and the "Tha" sound (as in "thin") is related to whether the sound is voiced or voiceless.

Here's the breakdown:

• Voiced sound: The vocal cords vibrate when producing the sound for the "Dha" sound (represented as /ð/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet). You can feel this vibration if you place your fingers on your throat. The "Dha" sound occurs in words like "this," "that," or "the."
• Voiceless sound: The "Tha" sound (represented as /θ/ in IPA) is voiceless, meaning the vocal cords do not vibrate. You can feel the difference by saying the sound of "thin" or "thought" and noticing that there's no vibration in your throat when you produce it.

So, the difference is indeed related to voicing : 

• Voiced: Vocal cords vibrate (as in "this" – /ð/).
• Voiceless: Vocal cords don't vibrate (as in "thin" – /θ/).

Understanding the difference helps kids pronounce 'TH' words correctly and can make a big difference in their speaking and listening skills!

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Voiced Words That Begin With ‘th’

Voiceless Words That Begin With ‘th’

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Voiced 'th' Words in the Middle

Voiceless 'th' Words in the Middle

Voiced 'th' Words at the End

Common 'th' Words for Kids

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4-Letter 'th' Words for Kids

5-Letter 'th' Words for Kids

6-Letter 'th' Words for Kids

Voiced 'th' Phrases

1. This is a red ball.
2. They are going to the park.
3. That is my favourite book.
4. Those birds are singing.
5. I love their new puppy.

Voiceless 'th' Phrases

1. Think before you speak.
2. Three friends are playing soccer.
3. The rope is thin and strong.
4. Thank you for the gift.
5. Hold the thread carefully

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Voiced 'th' Paragraphs

1. A Day at the Farm
   Beth and her brother visited their father at the farm. They saw cows, sheep, and goats. “That cow looks funny!” said Beth. Together, they fed the animals and had a great time exploring the farmyard.
2. Theo’s Big Adventure
   Theo and his mother planned an exciting day. “Where are we going?” asked Theo. His mother smiled and said, “That’s a surprise!” Together, they discovered a hidden trail, spotted a deer, and made memories they would always treasure.
3. Shopping Fun
   Those juicy oranges looked delicious. Emma and her mother filled their basket. “What should we get next?” asked Emma. Together, they chose apples, bananas, and grapes. Emma loved helping her mother and couldn’t wait to enjoy the fruits.

Voiceless 'th' Paragraphs

1. The Thin Cat
   The thin cat sat by the path, watching three birds play under a tree. It thought about chasing them but decided to nap instead. The birds chirped happily, thankful the cat preferred resting to chasing them around.
2. Thankful Bird
   A bird perched on a thick tree branch near the path. “Thank you for the food,” chirped the bird to a kind child. The bird felt happy and safe, knowing the forest was full of caring friends.
3. Three Friends’ Adventure
   Three friends explored the thick woods. They followed a narrow path leading to a beautiful stream. “Think we should build a bridge?” one asked. Together, they gathered sticks, laughed, and built something wonderful before heading home.

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Fun 'th' Word Activities and Games for Kids

Here are some fun activities and games to help kids learn 'TH' words while keeping them engaged:

1. 'th' Word Scavenger Hunt

• Write 'TH' words (e.g., this, that,thin, three) on cards and hide them around the room.
• Have kids find the cards and say the word aloud for practice.

2. Voiced vs. Voiceless Sorting Game

• Prepare two baskets labeled "Voiced" and "Voiceless."
• Give kids word cards with 'TH' words (e.g. think, this, thank, there).
• Let them sort the words into the correct basket based on sound.

3. 'th' Tongue Twisters

• Use simple tongue twisters like:
  "This thin thing fits there."
  "Thank Theo for these three things."
• Have kids repeat them slowly and then faster to improve their pronunciation.

4. 'th' Word Picture Match

• Show kids pictures of objects like a thumb, three trees, or thin ice.
• Have them match the picture to the correct 'th' word card.

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Helpful Tools for Learning and Improving 'th' Words

Books Featuring 'th' Words

This and That  by Mem Fox is a storybook with repetitive 'th' words. encourages recognition and practice in a natural context.

The Rock 'N Learn video introduces 'th' sounds through catchy songs, bright animations, and interactive phonics practice, making it an engaging tool for kids to master voiced and voiceless 'th' sounds​.

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‘th’ words for kids - Worksheets

Worksheet 1:

Worksheet 2:

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