Games With Initial Letter Sounds!

An early challenge for budding readers is associating letters with the correct letter sounds. This is one of the first steps toward acquiring what is referred to as phonological awareness – the ability to discriminate, remember, and manipulate sounds in syllables, words, and sentences.

With young readers, the initial sound in the word is very salient (e.g., "F" in Frog). For young readers with visual impairments, try creating direct learning experiences in initial letter sounds with hands-on materials and activities.

Let's make some initial letter sound bins!

Materials:

• Large container with lid

• Small objects that all share the same initial sound.

• Whiteboard with erasable markers (if applicable)

Process:

Start by assembling a group of objects that all share the same initial letter sound. For example:

• A jar of jam

• A jacket

• Jewelry

• A jet (toy)

Share the set with your child. As you go through each item, ask them to reach into to box, find an object, and take it out.

Label the object for your child, emphasizing the first sound of the word: "That's a Jar of Jam!"

Ask your child to repeat the word and ask what sound they hear at the beginning of the word.

Extending the Activity

Letter Sound Scavenger Hunt!

• Ask your child if there are items that have the same initial letter sound that they could add to the box from around the house (you may need a bigger box!)

• Before the reader places the item in the box, ask them to tell you what it is and why it should go in the "J" box (for example).

Sorting Extravaganza!

• Set up some sorting zones on a table, or on a floor with some hula hoops, for example. Most importantly, your child should be able to distinguish one zone from another to make for a successful sorting experience.

• Sort items based on their initial letter sound. I.e.: items that start with "J" in one hoop, items that start with other sounds in another.

• Once your child has sorted the items, take a turn sorting the items and ask your child to check your sorting (perhaps leaving some "mistakes" for them to find).