Is your child having trouble saying words like “slide,” “slippery,” or “slow”? If so, you’re not alone and you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through what the /sl/ blend is, when children typically develop it, and easy, engaging ways you can help your child practice it at home through fun play and daily routines.

What Is the /sl/ Blend?

The /sl/ blend is a two-sound combination made up of the /s/ sound (like in “sun”) and the /l/ sound (like in “love”). These two sounds are blended smoothly together in words like “slide.”

This blend can be tricky for young children because it involves keeping the airflow going while transitioning between two different mouth movements. This is considered a more complex sound in the English language.

When Should My Child Be Able to Say the /sl/ Blend?

Most children begin to correctly produce /s/ blends, including /sl/, between 5 and 7 years old. It’s completely normal for children to need extra help or practice along the way. If your child is over age 6 and still struggling with this blend, practicing at home (and possibly with a speech therapist) can make a big difference.

How Is the /sl/ Blend Made?

Here’s how you can explain it to your child:

Start with the /s/ sound. I often refer to this as the “snake sound.” When you make this sound your tongue tip is up behind your top teeth or on the pushing against the bottom front teeth. Your teeth are close together, and air moves forward like a soft snake sound: “ssss.”
Then slide into the /l/ sound. I often refer to this as the “singing sounds, la la la. When you make this sound, the tongue tip touches the bump behind the top front teeth (the alveolar ridge), and the voice turns on to say “llll.”

Put it together slowly: “ssss…llll… slide!”

🗣 Parent Script:

“Let’s pretend we’re a snake saying ‘ssss’… now touch the tip of your tongue up high behind your teeth for ‘llll’—ready? Sssss…lllll… slide!”

Fun and Easy Activities to Practice /sl/

You do not need worksheets or flashcards to work on speech sounds. Using your daily routines are filled with opportunities! Here are some hands-on, play-based ideas to work on /sl/ while having fun.

Slide Toy Play

What You Need: A small toy slide or use a couch cushion ramp
Amazon Idea:Waddle Bobbers, Garage Playset with Car Ramp

Have your child send animals or cars down the slide. Practice saying “slide” each time.

🗣 Try This Script:

“Ready, set… SLIDE! Let’s send the blue car down the slide! You try ‘slide’ with me?”

2. Slime Sensory Fun

What You Need: Store-bought slime or homemade slime
Amazon Idea:Slime Kits

I know the word “slime” can make some parents cringe,but hear me out! Slime actually offers many benefits for young children. It’s not only a fun and motivating activity for most kids, but it’s also a great way to work on language, motor skills, and sensory exploration all at once.

While your child is squeezing, stretching, and squishing the slime, you can naturally introduce words like “slimy,” “slippery,” and “slide.” These are perfect for practicing the /sl/ blend. Plus, playing with slime helps strengthen little hands and provides rich sensory input, including visual, tactile (touch), and even smell depending on the type you use.

So yes, slime can be messy—but it can also be a speech and sensory powerhouse!

🗣 Try This Script:

“Whoa! This slime is slippery! Look, it’s sliding off your hand. Can you say ‘slippery slime’ with me?”

“We’re going to practice your /sl/ sound today! I’ll say the word first, and then it’s your turn to try. Ready? Let’s see if you can win all my slime!”

Adult: “Slime.”
Child: “Lime.”
Adult: “Oops! You forgot your snake sound at the beginning. Try again—ssss + lime… slime!”

3. Slow vs. Fast Game

Play a movement game where you do actions “slow” and “fast.”

🗣 Try This Script:

“Let’s walk slow like a turtle… now fast like a cheetah! Ssssllllow. Say it with me—slow!”

Add items like a turtle and/or cheetah stuffie or animal movement cards for extra fun.

Amazon Idea:Animal Movement Cards, Turtle Stuffed Animal, Cheetah Stuffed Animal

4. Slap Game

Play a picture or card-slapping game. Lay out cards with /sl/ words and have your child “slap” the word they hear. Using a fly swatter is another way to add some fun in.

🗣 Try This Script:

“I’m going to say a word, if it starts with ‘sl,’ slap it with your hand/fly swatter!”

Example words: slide, slime, sleep, sled, slipper, sloth

Natural Practice Throughout the Day

You don’t have to set aside special time every day, just talk to your child during regular routines!

In the car:

“Look at that slide at the park!”
“Can you go slow like a turtle on the way to school?”

At mealtime:

“Your spaghetti is sliding off the fork!”
“This sauce is slippery!”

During bath time:

“The soap is slippery!”
“Let’s slide your toy duck across the water.”

Amazon Idea:Waddle Bobbers

Tips for Success

Model first: Say the word slowly and clearly first.
Use visual and tactile (touch) cues: Slide your hand forward as you say “slide,” or gently tap their tongue position.
Be patient: It’s okay if your child can’t say it right away. Praise the effort!
Make it fun: Keep the mood light and playful—no drilling or pressure.

Common /sl/ Words to Practice

Slide
Slime
Sloth
Slippery
Sleep
Slow
Sled
Slurp
Slap
Slant

Final Thoughts

Speech sound development is a journey, and every child moves at their own pace. By gently weaving in /sl/ words during play and routines, you’re helping your child build strong speech and language skills in a way that feels natural and fun. And remember, the goal isn’t perfection,it’s progress.

If you have concerns about your child’s speech, don’t hesitate to reach out to a speech-language pathologist for personalized support.

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Disclaimer: This article offers general educational information. It is not a substitute for professional evaluation or treatment. Please consult a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for personalized concerns regarding your child’s speech development.