The /L/Sound: Speech Therapy Guide & Practice Games

The /L/ sound is a voiced alveolar lateral approximant. It is produced by placing the tongue tip on the ridge behind the upper front teeth and letting air flow around the sides of the tongue. There are two types: light /L/ (at the beginning of words, like "lamp") and dark /L/ (at the end of words, like "bell").

calendar_monthAge of mastery:4-6
trending_upFrequency:Very Common
sports_esportsGames available:8
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How to Make the /L/ Sound

Place the tip of your tongue firmly on the bumpy ridge just behind your upper front teeth (alveolar ridge). Keep the back of your tongue low. Turn your voice on and let the air escape around the sides of your tongue. For the dark /L/ at the end of words, the back of the tongue is raised slightly while the tip still touches the ridge.

IPA Symbol: /l/

Most children master the /L/ sound by age 4-6. The light /L/ (at the beginning of words) is typically easier and develops earlier, while the dark /L/ (at the end of words) may take longer to master.

Common /L/ Sound Errors

  • error_outlineSubstituting /W/ for /L/ (e.g., "wamp" for "lamp")
  • error_outlineSubstituting /Y/ for /L/ (e.g., "yeg" for "leg")
  • error_outlineOmitting the /L/ sound entirely, especially at the end of words
  • error_outlineUsing a "W-colored" L where the lips round instead of the tongue lifting
  • error_outlineDifficulty with /L/ blends (bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, sl)
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/L/ Word Lists by Position

Practice these words organized by where the /L/ sound appears. Start with the position your child finds easiest.

Initial Position

/L/ at the beginning of words

lampleafleglemonletterlidlightlimelionliplistlizardlockloglovelunchlakeladderlaughlucky

Medial Position

/L/ in the middle of words

balloonbellycolordollarelephantfollowjellymelonolivepalacepillowpilotpolicesaladsillysolidswallowtulipvalleyviolin

Final Position

/L/ at the end of words

ballbellbowlcallcooldollfeelfullgirlhillmailnailowlpeelpoolpullschoolshellsmiletail
sports_esportsPractice these words with our games
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Tips for Practicing the /L/ Sound at Home

Evidence-based strategies parents can use to support /L/ sound practice.

1

Have your child practice touching the bumpy ridge behind their upper teeth with their tongue tip — they can use a lollipop or peanut butter dot as a target.

2

Use the "tongue up" cue: remind your child that for /L/, the tongue tip goes up, while for /W/, the lips go round.

3

Practice singing "la la la" to get the tongue used to lifting and dropping quickly.

4

Start with the light /L/ in initial position (lamp, leaf) before moving to dark /L/ in final position (ball, bell).

5

Use a mirror so your child can watch their tongue lift to the ridge. The tongue should be visible behind the open teeth.

6

For children who substitute /W/, gently hold their lips apart so they cannot round them, forcing the tongue to do the work.

7

Play "tongue push-ups": have your child push their tongue tip against the alveolar ridge and hold for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times.

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Practice Sentences for the /L/ Sound

Read these sentences aloud with your child. Words containing the /L/ sound are highlighted.

Lucy the lion licked a lemon lollipop.

The little ladybug landed on a leaf.

Leo loves to play with colorful balloons.

Look at the tall giraffe by the lake.

Lily left her yellow umbrella at school.

The silly elephant followed a blue balloon.

Call your uncle and tell him about the letter.

The girl smiled as she climbed the tall hill.

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Games for the /L/ Sound

Practice the /L/ sound with interactive games designed by speech pathologists.

bubble_chart

Bubble Pop

/L/ practice

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Memory Match

/L/ practice

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Pizza Builder

/L/ practice

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Space Blaster

/L/ practice

phishing

Sound Fishing

/L/ practice

pest_control

Whack-a-Word

/L/ practice

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Word Runner

/L/ practice

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Story Adventure

/L/ practice

Play games for the /L/ sound
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Frequently Asked Questions About the /L/ Sound

Common questions parents ask about the /L/ sound in speech therapy.

When should my child be able to say the /L/ sound?expand_more
Most children master the /L/ sound between ages 4 and 6. The initial /L/ (at the start of words like "lamp") typically develops first, followed by /L/ blends and the final /L/ (at the end of words like "ball").
My child says /W/ instead of /L/. Is that normal?expand_more
Substituting /W/ for /L/ (called "gliding") is a normal developmental pattern up to about age 4-5. If your child is still making this substitution consistently after age 5, a speech therapy evaluation is recommended.
What is the difference between light L and dark L?expand_more
Light /L/ occurs at the beginning of words (like "lamp" or "love") where the tongue tip touches the ridge cleanly. Dark /L/ occurs at the end of words (like "ball" or "bell") where the back of the tongue is also slightly raised, creating a deeper quality. Many children find dark /L/ harder to produce.
How do I help my child tell the difference between /L/ and /W/?expand_more
The key difference is tongue vs. lips. For /L/, the tongue tip lifts to the ridge behind the upper teeth. For /W/, the lips round. Use a mirror and show your child that for /L/, the tongue does the work with lips relaxed, while for /W/ the lips make a circle.
Are /L/ blends harder than /L/ by itself?expand_more
Yes, /L/ blends (like bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, sl) are typically harder and develop after the isolated /L/ sound. If your child cannot yet produce /L/ alone, focus on the single sound first before working on blends.

Related Sounds

/R/

R Sound

View guide

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