Does your little one say "wion" instead of "lion" or "wamp" instead of "lamp"?
If so, you're in the right place!
The /L/ sound can be tricky for little learners, but here's something you might not know: Sometimes it's not about trying harder to say the word. It's about learning where your tongue needs to go!
As a speech-language pathologist, I'm sharing a few of my favorite tips to make practicing the /L/ sound a little easier (and a whole lot more fun)!
And the best part? You don't need any speech therapy experience to try these activities!
1. Let's Talk Tongue Placement!
First things first, let's figure out what our mouths need to do to make the /L/ sound.
Try these simple steps:
Tongue UP! Lift the tip of your tongue to the little bumpy ridge right behind your top front teeth.
Lips RELAXED! Keep your lips relaxed instead of rounding them forward like you're making a /W/ sound.
Voice ON! Turn on your voice and try making a long "lllll" sound while letting the air flow around the sides of your tongue.
Here's a little SLP knowledge for you! That bumpy ridge behind your top teeth is actually called the alveolar ridge. It's where we place our tongue for several speech sounds, including /L/!
My favorite reminder: "Tongue up, lips relaxed, voice on!"
One of my favorite ways to teach this is by using a mirror or mouth model so children can actually SEE what we're asking them to do.
That's also why I created my Speech Sound Visuals & Mouth Placement Posters (https://www.jennasspeechcorner.com/shop/p/speech-sound-visuals-posters-for-speech-therapy-mouth-placement-cues)!
These visuals help break down how to produce different speech sounds using simple cues that children, parents, and educators can understand.
2. Try This Little SLP Trick!
Having trouble getting that tongue up?
Here's a trick I like to try!
Start by making the /D/ sound together.
Say "duh, duh, duh" slowly.
Notice where your tongue touches behind your top teeth? That's close to the same placement we need for /L/!
Now, instead of making that quick /D/ sound, try keeping the tip of your tongue up, turning your voice on, and letting the air flow around the sides.
This can help some children figure out where their tongue needs to go!
SLP TIP: If your child is having trouble, avoid asking them to repeat the same sound over and over when they're not getting it. Model it again, try a different cue, or take a break. Speech practice should feel encouraging, not frustrating!
3. Turn Speech Practice Into PLAY!
Once your child can make an /L/ sound with a little help, it's time to start practicing words!
Here are a few to try:
• Lion
• Lemon
• Leaf
. • Light
• Leg
Now, instead of just sitting and repeating words, let's make it FUN!
Build It! Practice an /L/ word, then add a block to your tower!
Find It! Hide picture cards around the room. Every time your child finds one, practice saying the word together!
Roll It! Grab a die, roll it, and practice an /L/ word that many times!
One thing I've learned as an SLP is that speech activities don't have to be complicated to be effective.
That's exactly why I created my L & L Blend Speech Sound Rings (https://www.jennasspeechcorner.com/shop/p/l-l-blend-speech-sound-rings-grab-and-go-articulation-cards)!
These printable picture cards give you a variety of /L/ words and blends to practice through games, play, or quick speech sessions. They're perfect for parents wanting an easy way to practice at home and SLPs needing something they can grab and use during therapy!
SLP TIP: Start with words your child can say accurately with support before moving to harder words or blends like BL, FL, and SL. Successful practice is more helpful than repeating errors!
4. Practice a Little, Celebrate a LOT!
Parents, here's your reminder that you don't have to turn every conversation into a speech therapy session!
Try practicing a few words during playtime, before bedtime, or whenever you have a few extra minutes together.
And if your child says "wion" instead of "lion" during a conversation, you don't always have to stop and correct them.
Instead, try modeling the word naturally:
Child: "Look at the wion!"
You: "Yes! That's a big lion! Look at his mane!"
You're giving your child an opportunity to hear the correct sound while keeping the conversation positive.
During your actual practice time, you can give more direct feedback and help your child try the sound again.
And don't forget to celebrate those little victories!
The first time they figure out the correct tongue placement? That's progress!
Their first clear /L/ sound? Even better!
Using their /L/ correctly in a word without a reminder? That's a BIG win!
A Little Reminder Before You Go!
Every child learns speech sounds at their own pace, and there isn't one trick that works for everyone.
According to speech sound development research, most English-speaking children acquire the /L/ sound around ages 4–5, although development varies. If you're concerned about your child's speech, a speech-language pathologist can help determine whether additional support is needed.
Whether you're a parent practicing at the kitchen table, an educator supporting a student, or an SLP working through a full caseload, remember that little steps can lead to BIG progress!
And that's what Jenna's Speech Corner is all about: making speech and language learning more accessible, engaging, and FUN for everyone!
Want to learn more? Check out ASHA's guide to speech sound development and disorders (https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/speech-sound-disorders/).
