Same Beginning Sounds?
Here's What To Do
1
Say two words while emphasizing the beginning sound. Ask your child if both words start with the same beginning sound.
2
Use words with simple consonant sounds like “d” or “m,” not letter combinations like “fl” or “ch.”
3
Do this while running errands or reading. For example, “We read about a big butterfly! Do ‘big’ and ‘butterfly’ start with the same sound?”
4
Remember to focus on the spoken sounds, not the letter that makes the sound.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- To help your child get ready to focus on sounds, take turns making a silly sound that the other person repeats.
E
Engage:
- “Do ‘run’ and ‘sat’ start with the same sound?”
- “What sound do you hear at the beginning of ‘r-r-run?’ What about ‘s-s-sat?’”
E
Encourage:
- Choose words with very different beginning sounds (not “p” and “b” for example). Encourage your child to watch your mouth as you say each beginning sound.
- Make each beginning sound a few times so they can hear and compare them.
R
Reflect:
- “Was it easy or hard for you to play that game?” (Acknowledge their feelings and efforts)
Not quite ready?
Throughout the day, highlight the beginning sounds in words. “Look at that van! I hear ‘v’ at the beginning of the word ‘van.’”
Ready for more?
Together, identify the ending sounds in simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like “nut, pin, Sam.”
As your child masters this skill...
They will answer questions about the same initial sounds in words.