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ch and j sounds

ch and j are later sounds. When children usually say them, common mix-ups, and ideas for home.

This guide is about two sounds: ch as in chip and j as in jam. They are later sounds than p, t and k.

The ideas below fit into play, jobs around the house and trips out. The word lists are for English. You can use the same ideas in any language.

When children learn this

  • Most children say ch by about 5.
  • Most children say j by about 5.
  • Children learn sounds at different ages. Many say a sound in short words before they can say it in long words.

Common mix-ups

  • Many children say t for ch or d for j ('tair' for 'chair', 'dam' for 'jam') until about 5. If it is still happening after about 5, mention it to the speech pathologist or your GP.
  • Many children say sh for ch ('ship' for 'chip') until about 4. If it is still happening after about 5, mention it to the speech pathologist or your GP.

Try this

While you play

Play trains. Make the train go round the track and into the tunnel.

  • Your child: Too too!
  • You: Choo choo! Here comes the train. Choo choo, into the tunnel.

Around the house

At breakfast, talk about what goes on the toast.

  • Your child: Dam on mine.
  • You: Jam on yours. Sticky red jam, right to the edge.

When you go out

At the park, talk about what your child does on the steps and the grass.

  • Your child: Me dump high!
  • You: You jumped high! A big jump off the step.

Words to use in your talk

Use these words in your own talk. Your child does not have to say them.

ch

Easier words: chip, chin, chop, cheek, chew

Harder words: chicken, kitchen, watch, peach, sandwich

j

Easier words: jam, jug, jet, juice, jog

Harder words: jelly, orange, bridge, cage, giraffe

Why it helps

  • When you say words with ch and j the usual way in your own talk, your child hears how these sounds are used. Your child does not have to say the words after you or copy you.

When to get help

  • Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child says the same word a different way each time.
  • Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child uses one sound in place of many different sounds.
  • Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child is 4 or older and people who do not know them cannot understand much of what they say.

More help

Sources

© State of New South Wales. For current information go to www.nsw.gov.au. CC BY 4.0.

Last checked 12 October 2026

General information, not medical advice. Talk to a health professional about your child.

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