K Word List for Speech Therapy

K Word List with /K/ Sound Practice & Video Tips

The /k/ sound (as in kick and cake) is an early-developing speech sound that requires the back of the tongue to lift and make contact in the back of the mouth. This k word list for speech therapy provides practical word examples, clear placement cues, and functional activities to support accurate production and carryover.

This page is designed for speech-language pathologists and caregivers who want effective /k/ articulation practice that goes beyond drills.

How This K Word List Supports Articulation Therapy

On this page, you’ll find:

• A k word list for quick reference
• A clear explanation of how to say /k/
• A short video tip demonstrating tongue placement
• Functional articulation activities that support generalization
• Developmentally appropriate practice ideas
• Optional next steps for continued articulation and language support

K Word List for Speech Therapy

Use these words for structured practice, play-based activities, sentence expansion, or conversational carryover.

K Word List

How to Say the /K/ Sound

The /k/ sound is a voiceless velar stop.

How to say /k/:

• The back of the tongue lifts to the back of the mouth
• Air briefly stops, then releases
• Lips stay relaxed
• Voice is off

Helpful teaching cues:

• Ask your child to cough and notice where the tongue moves
• Try gargling to feel the tongue retract
• Lightly touch the throat to show airflow without voicing

These cues help children feel where /k/ is made instead of guessing.

Watch: /K/ Sound Placement & Teaching Tips (Video)

If you need help with /k/, try my last resort tip!

Functional Articulation Practice for /K/

The /k/ sound typically develops early, so practice should be play-based, short, and functional.

Try these no-flashcard /k/ articulation ideas:

• Kick – Kick a ball back and forth
• Car – Push cars and talk about where they go
• Cake – Pretend bake or color a cake
• Color – Say “color” when choosing crayons
• Chicken – Cluck and dance like chickens
• Baking – Pretend bake cookies together
• Ice cream – Create paper cones and flavors
• Lick – Talk about licking ice cream
• Rock – Find and sort rocks outside
• Duck – Play with rubber ducks during bath

Take turns saying and listening for accurate productions. Hearing correct models is just as important as producing them. If you want more tips on generalization, check out this page.

Free /S/ Articulation Packet (Helpful for Any Sound)

Teaching one sound well makes it easier to teach the next.

If you’d like a clear, step-by-step example of how I teach articulation, grab my free /s/ articulation packet. While it focuses on the /s/ sound, the teaching strategies, cueing approach, and practice structure apply to any speech sound—including /k/.

Inside the free /s/ packet, you’ll find:

• Visual placement cues
• Simple teaching strategies that build awareness and control
• Practice pages designed for carryover and generalization
• A clear example of how to structure articulation sessions

It’s a helpful resource if you want to see how I approach articulation therapy before moving on to other sounds.

Looking for More Support with /K/ and Other Sounds?

The Speech Therapy Talk Membership includes articulation and language resources designed to support sound acquisition, carryover, and generalization.

Members have access to:

• Articulation screening tools
• Data tracking sheets
• Parent handouts
• Functional articulation games
• Sentence- and conversation-level practice
• Language-based articulation activities

Materials are designed to be simple, flexible, and effective.

Reference: Phonetic Development