B Words for Speech Therapy: Lists and Games to Make Practice Fun
Amanda Unrau CCC-SLP
01/27/25 | Last modified: 03/25/25
The /b/ sound is one of the first sounds children learn to produce. It is important that your child or student correctly produce this foundational sound. Speech therapy and practice can help improve the /b/ sound in children who struggle with its pronunciation. If your child is unable to produce the /b/ sound, this resource is for you.
When a child correctly produces all speech sounds, their overall speech will be intelligible, meaning that other children and adults will be able to understand what they are saying. This improves a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Our comprehensive resource of /b/ words lists at various levels (words, phrases, sentences, reading passages) and activities are effective tools for targeted speech therapy practice.
Word list: 150+ /B/ Word List
We have created a /b/ word list for speech therapy and home practice. In order to achieve mastery, it is important to practice words with /b/ in different word positions, including words starting with /b/, words with /b/ in the middle of the word, and words ending with /b/. We have included lists for /b/ initial words, /b/ medial words, and /b/ final words.
| Initial /b/ Words | Medial /b/ Words | Final /b/ Words |
| ball | rubber | cab |
| bat | bubble | bulb |
| box | library | web |
| bag | hobby | scrub |
| baby | cobbler | blob |
| book | lumber | stab |
| bus | cubic | club |
| board | hybrid | knob |
| blue | ribbon | job |
| boy | rubble | crib |
| boxcar | cobble | crab |
| bin | fiber | tub |
| banana | rabbit | scab |
| bridge | noble | glob |
| bike | ambition | slob |
| bench | bubblegum | slab |
| breeze | fabric | scrab |
| bark | debris | grab |
| balloon | rebel | sub |
| balance | cable | rub |
| ballad | global | cob |
| blimp | trouble | stub |
| brown | number | mob |
| barn | cubicle | tab |
| button | pebble | snub |
| blink | cobweb | tube |
| base | nobility | hub |
| brother | abacus | flab |
| badge | tremble | drab |
| back | bobbin | lab |
| beach | ambush | jab |
| boot | chamber | babe |
| bush | suburb | snob |
| brat | treble | ab |
| bed | rabble | bribe |
| band | hobble | scribe |
| bullet | rebellion | blurb |
| boyish | bobble | orb |
| bumper | jabber | lob |
| blade | scribble | tribe |
| bucket | absorbent | |
| bend | cobalt | |
| bandage | embargo | |
| barter | bumble | |
| beast | jubilee | |
| bargain | table | |
| bison | tribute | |
| bummer | double | |
| blazer | bulbous | |
| boxy | hobbyist | |
| booth | rambler | |
| bank | celebrity | |
| barnacle | fibber | |
| blast | subway | |
| berry | lobster | |
| broom | kabob | |
| brook | hubble | |
| butcher | limber | |
| beam | imbalanced | |
| binder | obvious | |
| babble | bubbly | |
| beggar | debacle | |
| baster | cupboard | |
| boundary | robot | |
| bolted | ambiguous | |
| brace | bamboo | |
| blunder | stable | |
| blanket | rebound | |
| bachelor | libel | |
| butter | dabble | |
| bulb | arbor | |
| bunny | tuber | |
| baker | habitat | |
| bug | vibrate | |
| buzzer | mobile | |
| backhand | abuse | |
| bouquet | vibration | |
| blacksmith | liberty | |
| bell | babbling | |
| biscuit | bobbing | |
| bog | stumble | |
| builder | tribulation | |
| bookcase | barber | |
| labor | ||
| bauble | ||
| troubled | ||
| stability | ||
| problem | ||
| tumble | ||
| grumble | ||
| subtext | ||
| ruby |
B Word Lists by Syllables
It is important to practice /b/ words of various syllables, from one-syllable words up to four or five syllables. /B/ words that are one syllable are easier to say than words with multiple syllables, making single syllable words a great starting point.
Below is a list of /b/ words containing from one to five syllables. There are lists for words with different syllables with /b/ in the initial, medial, and final position of words.
Initial /b/ by syllables (/b/ at the beginning of words)
| One Syllable | Two Syllables | Three Syllables | Four Syllables | Five Syllables |
| ball | baby | benefit | barbacoa | bioengineer |
| bat | banner | beginner | benevolent | bibliography |
| box | business | bicycle | biology | biochemistry |
| bag | bottle | bachelor | botanical | bipolarity |
| boy | button | barrier | benefactor | beautification |
| bench | bubble | benefit | bureaucracy | |
| bus | brother | bungalow | brutality | |
| bread | burger | bakery | boundaryless | |
| bark | bison | bulletin | bombastically | |
| beach | baton | bubblegum | ||
| balloon | banana | |||
| balance | behavior | |||
| broadcaster |
Medial /b/ by syllables (/b/ in the middle of words)
Single syllable /b/ words are not included in this list since single syllable words do not contain /b/ in the medial position.
| Two Syllables | Three Syllables | Four Syllables | Five Syllables |
| amber | embargo | formidable | incompatible |
| cable | fabulous | ability | vocabulary |
| urban | capable | memorable | celebratory |
| number | probably | variable | incalculable |
| trouble | celebrate | honorable | unreasonable |
| abstract | bubblegum | formidable | unforgettable |
| habit | tabletop | adaptable | rehabilitate |
| fabric | fabulous | celebrity | inconceivable |
| table | garbanzo | celebration | capability |
| labor | troublesome | reverberate | |
| robin | fallible | troublemaker | |
| noble | calibrate | fashionable | |
| rubble | submarine | ||
| double |
Final /b/ by syllables (/b/ at the end of words)
| One Syllable | Two Syllables | Three Syllables |
| cab | microbe | inner tube |
| bob | cobweb | cotton swab |
| tub | backstab | science lab |
| glob | hubbub | hermit crab |
| scab | doorknob | country club |
| mob | prescribe | spiderweb |
| drab | subscribe | |
| snub | wardrobe | |
| hub | bathtub | |
| club | bathrobe | |
| crib | ||
| slab | ||
| cob | ||
| scrub | ||
| job |
Further /B/ Word Practice: Short Phrases and Sentences
In order to increase the level of difficulty once a child masters /b/ in words, he or she should then move on to practicing /b/ in short phrases and sentences. Use the below lists with children after practicing /b/ in words.
Begin with short phrases and then move on to sentences. Ideas of ways to use these /b/ phrases and sentences are included in the section on games and activities with /b/ words.
Short Phrases with B Words
Carrier phrases are a great way to begin incorporating phrases into speech therapy practice. Carrier phrases are simple phrases that allow children to progress from words to sentences while practicing the /b/ sound.
Below are some examples of carrier phrases:
- “I have a ____.”
- “I want the ____.”
- “I need a ____.”
- “I see a ____.”
- “Give me the ____.”
You can also practice /b/ in the short phrases presented in the table below. Short phrases typically consist of 2-4 words.
| Initial /b/ | Medial /b/ | Final /b/ |
| big ball | set the table | scrub the floor |
| bright blue | rubber band | fill the tub |
| black box | rabbit burrow | corn on the cob |
| brave boy | cobweb corner | get a job |
| big brother | bubble wrap | join the club |
| busy bee | subway station | turn off the bulb |
| brown bag | camping cabin | screw the knob |
| bouncing ball | amber light | catch a cab |
| big boat | mobile home | float on the tube |
| baby boy | library book | new wardrobe |
| call back | get in trouble | sleep in a crib |
Short Sentences with B Words
Following success with /b/ in carrier phrases and short phrases, the child can move on to practice of /b/ letter words in short sentences. The below table includes a list of short sentences with /b/ words in the initial, medial and final word position. Use these sentences in the suggested games and activities described further below.
| Initial /b/ | Medial /b/ | Final /b/ |
| The girl kicked the ball. | The robin built a nest in the tree. | The front door knob is locked. |
| The breeze felt cool on my face. | My grandma gave me amber earrings. | There was a spider web in the corner. |
| He caught the big fish. | My brother got in trouble yesterday. | We bought a new light bulb. |
| The bat flew across the sky. | The library had a new book. | The baby sleeps in a crib. |
| I bought a new bicycle. | I dialed the wrong phone number. | The scrub brush fell off the shelf. |
| The baker made fresh bread. | The bubble popped loudly. | I joined the science club. |
| She saw the yellow bird. | The rabbit jumped over the puddle. | The job was a tough one. |
| The boy smiled at the dog. | We set the table for dinner. | I packed a sub sandwich for the picnic. |
| We went bowling for my birthday. | The fabric on the shirt was soft. | He broke the tab off the can. |
| The bunny hopped around the yard. | He started a new exercise habit. | The tub was full of bubbles. |
B Word Reading Practice
The next step in the articulation hierarchy after achieving mastery with /b/ in phrases and sentences is reading passages. It can be helpful to preview the reading passage with the child before reading it and underline or highlight all the /b/ letter words. This helps the child to specifically focus on their production of the /b/ sound when they reach those words as they read.
Here are a few short stories containing the /b/ sound in various word positions:
Bobby’s Beach Day
Bobby woke up early to the sound of birds chirping outside his window. He stretched his arms and smiled, excited for the big adventure ahead. Today was the day he and his friend were going to bike to the beach.
After breakfast, Bobby grabbed his helmet and bottle of water. He waved goodbye to his mom, who was busy baking bread in the kitchen. His best friend, Ben, was already waiting outside with his blue bike.
The ride was bumpy, but Bobby didn’t mind. They passed through the bamboo forest and crossed a small bridge over a creek. The sun was shining brightly, and Bobby could feel the excitement building as they neared the beach.
When they finally arrived, Bobby and Ben ran straight to the water, laughing and jumping over the big waves. It was a brilliant day, one that Bobby would always remember.
Rob’s Big Job
Rob had a big job to do. He was helping his mom bake a big batch of bread. The dough was soft, and Rob loved to rub it with his hands to make sure there were no bubbles. His mom said, “Don’t forget to dab some butter on the bread when it’s done!”
While it baked, Rob decided to scrub the dishes that were on the table. After a while, the bread was ready, and it smelled so good! Bobby took a bunch of bread and put it in the basket. He was ready to bring it to his neighbors.
His first stop was the house of his friend Tab. Tab’s sister was playing with her rabbit, and his brother was eating blueberries while wearing a bib. Tab grabbed a slice of the bread and spread raspberry jam on it. “This is fabulous!” Tab said with a smile. All the other neighbors were pleased as well. After this memorable experience, Rob decided to sign up for the baking club at school.
Benny the Brave Bunny
Benny the bunny lived in a big, beautiful burrow under a big, bright bamboo tree. Every day, Benny would bounce around the meadow, playing with his friends. One day, Benny found a blue ball near the bridge that crossed the little brook. He loved playing with it, bouncing it high into the air and catching it with his paws.
But soon, Benny saw something strange! A baby bird had fallen out of its nest in the bushes. Benny knew he had to help, so he ran to get bamboo sticks to build a little ladder to reach the nest.
He carefully placed the sticks and climbed up. With a little bump, Benny gently placed the baby bird back in its nest. The baby bird chirped happily, and Benny bounced down with a big smile.
“Brave Benny!” his friends cheered. “You helped the baby bird, and now we can bounce and play all day!”
Benny felt proud and happy. He knew that being brave meant helping others, even when it was a bit scary.
Games & Activities with B Words
Make practice of /b/ words more fun and engaging by playing games and activities. Below is a list of ideas for practicing /b/ in a variety of activities that facilitate generalization of the /b/ sound into everyday situations. Over time, children will become more independent in their production of /b/ words and they will require less assistance from you.
/B/ I Spy
Play I Spy, focusing on words starting containing /b/. Locate an item in the environment starting with the /b/ sound and describe it for the child to guess.
For example, “I Spy with my little eye, something that is round and bounces.” The answer is “ball.”
This is an easy activity to incorporate into daily routines, such as while driving, playing outside, taking a walk, or going to the store.
/B/ Simon Says
Play the classic Simon Says game with a twist! Use commands and items that target /b/ words. Here are some examples:
Simon says…
- “Balance on one foot.”
- “Roll the ball.”
- “Bounce like a bunny.”
- “Fly like a bird.”
- “Blow bubbles.”
/B/-Themed Imaginative Play
Use props, toys, and stuffed animals with the /b/ sound and encourage the child to engage in pretend play. Here are a few ideas:
- Set up a kitchen area. Offer a chef hat and apron for the child to become a baker, and have kitchen supplies such as baking pans and bowls so they can mix batter to bake bread, bagels, biscuits, and brownies and put them in a basket.
- Create a shopping experience. Set out a shopping basket and bags, as well as items containing /b/. This can include bottled water, bacon, bananas, batteries, boxes of cereal, bandages, and bar soap.
- Set up a farm scene. Include a toy barn with bales of hay, buckets, bags of feed, brushes, brooms, and boots. Practice naming animals and making animal sounds, such as bulls, bees, and “baa” for sheep.
/B/ Music Time
Songs and nursery rhymes are a fun and functional way to practice /b/. Sing songs focused on /b/, such as Bingo or Happy Birthday. You can also make up new lyrics incorporating tube /b/ sound to the tune of familiar songs, or create a new song!
Here is a /b/ song to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star:”
Baking, baking, in the bowl,
Butter, bread, and rolls to fold.
Berries, bananas, bright and sweet,
Best of flavors, can’t be beat.
Baking, baking, in the bowl,
Butter, bread, and rolls to fold.
What is a /B/ Sound and How to Pronounce It?
/B/ is a voiced bilabial consonant sound, meaning that the lips are pressed together when producing this sound. Unlike the unvoiced bilabial /p/ sound, however, /b/ is a voiced sound which means that the vocal cords vibrate during production of /b/.
Since /b/ is an early developing sound, reach out to a speech language pathologist if your child is unable to produce this sound by age 3. Use the resources and /b/ words lists provided on this page for practice as well.
Pronouncing the /B/ Word Sound
To produce the /b/ sound, you need to press your lips together and then release them while pushing air out of your lungs with your voice on. Your lips and vocal cords should work together to create the sound.
How to Help Your Child Produce the /B/ Sound Correctly
To help your child produce the /b/ sound correctly, first start by modeling the /b/ sound so they can hear the correct pronunciation. Use a visual cue by pointing to your lips to indicate that you press your lips together, then release them with a puff of air. Use a mirror so the child can practice while looking at their own mouth compared to yours.
For a tactile cue, have your child put their hand in front of your mouth to feel the puff of air as you release your lips when producing /b/. Then have them practice /b/ and feel the air coming from their lips. In addition, they can feel the vibration of the vocal folds by placing their hand on your neck, and then doing the same on their neck, while practicing /b/.
Using Forbrain to Practice B Words
Forbrain is a tool that makes a great addition to speech therapy practice of the /b/ sound. Forbrain is an auditory stimulation headset that uses immediate feedback to improve speech skills and auditory discrimination. When individuals use Forbrain to hear their speech, they can adjust their production of /b/ words, making it the perfect tool to pair with formal speech therapy.
Children can wear the Forbrain headset during speech therapy sessions or practice. Forbrain’s bone conduction technology strengthens communication and language skills, literacy skills, auditory processing skills, and vocabulary.
Final Words
If your child or student is struggling with their production of /b/ words, be sure to use this resource. Practice the /b/ sound using the lists of /b/ words, /b/ phrases and sentences, /b/ paragraphs and short stories, and /b/ games and activities included on this page.
Consistency is key to making progress in speech sound production. Even a few minutes of practice a day is helpful! If you don’t always have dedicated time set aside to practice, you can find small ways to practice /b/ throughout your day. Emphasize /b/ words during daily routines, such as brushing teeth or taking a bath. Discuss food items with /b/ starting words that you can eat for snacks or meals or add to your grocery list. Emphasize /b/ words as you read books together. In all of these activities, your child is exposed to correct pronunciation of the /b/ sound, which can help to improve their speech skills.
Amanda Unrau
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