Say words starting with 'V' & 'W' without moving your lips!

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Practice saying words that start with V and W while keeping your lips still, noticing how sounds change and learning safe speaking techniques.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to say words starting with 'V' & 'W' without moving your lips

What you need

Mirror, paper, pencil

Step 1

Sit in a quiet spot and place the mirror so you can see your lips and face.

Step 2

Fold the paper in half and write a big V at the top of the left side and a big W at the top of the right side.

Step 3

Think of five words that start with V and write them under the V column and think of five words that start with W and write them under the W column.

Step 4

Say the first V word out loud the way you normally do while watching your lips in the mirror.

Step 5

Try to say that same V word again while keeping your lips still and watch what moves in the mirror.

Step 6

Write one short note next to the word about how the sound changed or felt when your lips were still.

Step 7

Repeat Step 4 to Step 6 for each of the other V words on your list.

Step 8

Say the first W word out loud the way you normally do while watching your lips in the mirror.

Step 9

Try to say that same W word again while keeping your lips still and listen carefully to the sound.

Step 10

Write one short note next to the W word about how the sound changed or felt when your lips were still.

Step 11

Repeat Step 8 to Step 10 for each of the other W words on your list.

Step 12

Pick one V word and one W word and practice switching between them five times while keeping your lips still.

Step 13

Write one sentence about which group (V or W) was easier to say with lips still and why you think that happened.

Step 14

Share your finished list and notes on DIY.org.

Help!?

I don't have a mirror — what can I use instead?

Use your smartphone's front camera, a reflective window, or a metal spoon positioned so you can see your lips and face as directed in step 1.

My lips keep moving when I try to keep them still — how do I stop that?

If your lips move during the repeat attempts in steps 5 and 9, try saying the word more softly and rest a finger gently under your chin to feel and slow jaw movement while watching the mirror.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older children?

For preschoolers, use 2–3 picture cards per V/W column and only two words each instead of five and skip the switching in step 12, while older kids can list more words in step 3, add phoneme notes in steps 6 and 10, and repeat the switch exercise in step 12 more times.

How can we extend or personalize the activity?

Record short videos or audio of your mirror trials for the V and W words (steps 4–6 and 8–10), compare which group was easier in your write-up from step 13, and create a themed gallery to upload to DIY.org as in step 14.

Watch videos on how to say words starting with 'V' & 'W' without moving your lips

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Words That Start with Letter V | Words Begin with V | Kids Learning Videos

4 Videos

Facts about speech sounds and articulation

👄 The /v/ sound is made by touching your bottom lip to your upper teeth — it's a lip-and-teeth trick!

💋 The /w/ sound is made by rounding your lips like you're about to blow a kiss or blow out a candle.

🔤 Lots of common English question words start with W (who, what, when, where, why) — great practice words!

🧠 Even if your lips stay still, your tongue and airflow change — your brain can still tell V and W apart.

🎯 Speech therapists use fun lip-control games like this to help kids learn safe, clear speaking techniques.

How do I play 'Say words starting with V & W without moving your lips' with my child?

To play, explain the goal: say words that start with V and W while keeping lips still. Start with a mirror so the child can watch lip movement. Model each sound slowly, then let the child try a short list of words (van, vase, whale, window). Use a finger gently on the lips to remind stillness. Encourage quiet, relaxed breath and a slightly open jaw. Give praise and repeat short rounds, gradually adding new words.

What materials do I need for lip-still V & W practice?

You only need a few simple things: a mirror so the child can see lip movement, a printed or spoken list of V and W starter words, a timer or phone for short rounds, stickers or small rewards, and a quiet, comfortable spot. Optional: a straw or thin paper strip to show airflow, and a notebook to track progress. No special equipment or messy supplies are required.

What ages is this lip-still V & W activity suitable for?

This game suits preschool and elementary children, roughly ages 3–10. Younger children (3–4) may need close adult modeling and one-word prompts; ages 4–7 gain the most benefit for early speech awareness. Older children up to 10 can use it for clearer articulation and self-monitoring. Adapt difficulty by word complexity and round length. If you’re unsure about a child’s readiness, check with a speech therapist.

What are the benefits and safety tips for practicing V & W without moving the lips?

Benefits include improved phoneme awareness, listening skills, breath control, and attention to tongue versus lip movement. Children learn safe speaking habits—using gentle airflow and relaxed jaw—instead of straining lips. It also sharpens concentration and self-monitoring. Safety tips: stop if the child feels throat strain or discomfort, keep sessions short (3–5 minutes), and supervise young children. Consult a speech therapist if you notice persistent difficulty.

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All Activities

Say words starting with 'V' & 'W' without moving your lips!

Practice saying words that start with V and W while keeping your lips still, noticing how sounds change and learning safe speaking techniques.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to say words starting with 'V' & 'W' without moving your lips

What you need

Mirror, paper, pencil

Step 1

Sit in a quiet spot and place the mirror so you can see your lips and face.

Step 2

Fold the paper in half and write a big V at the top of the left side and a big W at the top of the right side.

Step 3

Think of five words that start with V and write them under the V column and think of five words that start with W and write them under the W column.

Step 4

Say the first V word out loud the way you normally do while watching your lips in the mirror.

Step 5

Try to say that same V word again while keeping your lips still and watch what moves in the mirror.

Step 6

Write one short note next to the word about how the sound changed or felt when your lips were still.

Step 7

Repeat Step 4 to Step 6 for each of the other V words on your list.

Step 8

Say the first W word out loud the way you normally do while watching your lips in the mirror.

Step 9

Try to say that same W word again while keeping your lips still and listen carefully to the sound.

Step 10

Write one short note next to the W word about how the sound changed or felt when your lips were still.

Step 11

Repeat Step 8 to Step 10 for each of the other W words on your list.

Step 12

Pick one V word and one W word and practice switching between them five times while keeping your lips still.

Step 13

Write one sentence about which group (V or W) was easier to say with lips still and why you think that happened.

Step 14

Share your finished list and notes on DIY.org.

Help!?

I don't have a mirror — what can I use instead?

Use your smartphone's front camera, a reflective window, or a metal spoon positioned so you can see your lips and face as directed in step 1.

My lips keep moving when I try to keep them still — how do I stop that?

If your lips move during the repeat attempts in steps 5 and 9, try saying the word more softly and rest a finger gently under your chin to feel and slow jaw movement while watching the mirror.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older children?

How can we extend or personalize the activity?

Watch videos on how to say words starting with 'V' & 'W' without moving your lips

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Words That Start with Letter V | Words Begin with V | Kids Learning Videos

4 Videos

Facts about speech sounds and articulation

👄 The /v/ sound is made by touching your bottom lip to your upper teeth — it's a lip-and-teeth trick!

💋 The /w/ sound is made by rounding your lips like you're about to blow a kiss or blow out a candle.

🔤 Lots of common English question words start with W (who, what, when, where, why) — great practice words!

🧠 Even if your lips stay still, your tongue and airflow change — your brain can still tell V and W apart.

🎯 Speech therapists use fun lip-control games like this to help kids learn safe, clear speaking techniques.