The /k/ sound is called a velar plosive sound which means first there is a stop of the airflow and then it is released. To stop the airflow, the back part of the tongue moves up and touches the velum (the back part of the roof of your mouth). This produces a brief blockage and a build-up of pressure in the breath stream. Next, the tongue quickly lowers and a puff of air is released. The /k/ sound is unvoiced (with your voice turned off). You won't feel any vibration when putting your hand on your throat while producing the /k/ sound.
The most common /k/ sound error is when a /t/ is produced in the place of the /k/ sound. Similarly, the /g/ is misarticulated as /d/. This sound pattern error is known as fronting.
Hints for producing the /k/ sound:
Using a mirror, demonstrate what a correct /k/ sound looks and what it sounds like. Ask the student to place their tongue firmly on their back lower teeth and keep it there. Then have them put their hand in front of their mouth and feel the short bursts of air on their hand as they attempt to copy your correct /k/. Sometimes it is best to help the child to understand how the /t/ and /k/ sounds are different. Talk about how the tongue position for the /t/ sound is forward in their mouth with their tongue tip touching the alveolar ridge (the bump just behind your top front teeth) while the /k/ sound is made by the tongue humps up to touch the roof of the mouth in the back of the mouth until it lowers to release a puff of air.
The most common /k/ sound error is when a /t/ is produced in the place of the /k/ sound. Similarly, the /g/ is misarticulated as /d/. This sound pattern error is known as fronting.
Hints for producing the /k/ sound:
Using a mirror, demonstrate what a correct /k/ sound looks and what it sounds like. Ask the student to place their tongue firmly on their back lower teeth and keep it there. Then have them put their hand in front of their mouth and feel the short bursts of air on their hand as they attempt to copy your correct /k/. Sometimes it is best to help the child to understand how the /t/ and /k/ sounds are different. Talk about how the tongue position for the /t/ sound is forward in their mouth with their tongue tip touching the alveolar ridge (the bump just behind your top front teeth) while the /k/ sound is made by the tongue humps up to touch the roof of the mouth in the back of the mouth until it lowers to release a puff of air.