Lesson 18:
P and B sounds
p:
(cup, punch, pull)
b:
(cub,
bunch, bull)
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The P and B
sounds are often studied as a pair because both sounds are produced in the
front of the mouth with the tongue in the same place. The only difference is
that the B sound is voiced and the P sound is voiceless. What
does that mean? Read on to find out.
The voiced B sound
(IPA symbol: b) can be found in English words such as
bring, bubble, boy, lab, rob, and bicycle.
The voiceless P sound can be
found in English words such as jump, pop, top, puppy, purple,
tip, and pray.
The P and B
sounds should be studied together. They are produced in the same part of the
mouth (the front) with the tongue in the same place. The only difference is
that the P sound is a voiceless sound and the B sound is a voiced
sound.
In the English
language, we use many voiced sounds. That means that the vocal cords
vibrate when you say that letter. You can hear a voiced B sound in words
such as "back" and "cab."
The letter P is a voiceless sound because the vocal cords do not vibrate.
Instead, we use a puff of air to produce the sound. You can hear the P sound in
words such as "pack" and "cap."
Practice the voiced B
sound
Practice
the voiced B sound by saying these words. Hold a piece of paper or your hand in
front of your mouth to make sure you are voicing the consonant and not using a
puff of air.
Now practice the voiceless
P sound
Use
a piece of paper to practice the voiceless P sound. When you say this sound,
you should release a puff of air from your mouth that moves the paper. Your
vocal cords should not vibrate.
Finally, practice the
sounds side-by-side
Remember
to voice the B sound and use a puff of air for the P sound!
B |
P |
cub |
cup |
back |
pack |
bit |
pit |
bubble |
purple |
lobby |
happy |
Now say these sentences out loud.
The
P sounds are in blue. The B sounds are in green:
1) The big puppy barks.
2) The boy was happy.
3) Ride your bicycle to the top.
4) Bob should stop at the library.
5) We ate purple blueberry pie.
Have
you finished them all? Great job!
Well done! You have completed
the P and B sound lesson.
Let's move on...