Move and Count the Sounds
Here's What To Do
1
Say a word, then slowly say each sound. Your child can repeat the sound as they do a movement like clapping or jumping to represent each sound.
2
Start with two-letter words like “at,” “on,” “ip” (yes, made up words are OK!). Then, include three-letter CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like “big,” “hat” “sun.”
3
This is a great quick game to play while you’re running errands, stuck in traffic or waiting at a restaurant.
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:
- “Words are made up of sounds. The word ‘it’ is made of two sounds ‘i-t.’”
- “Let’s jump while we say the sounds. ‘It. I-t.’ Two sounds!”
E
Encourage:
- Say the sounds and do the movements first, then do it again with your child.
- “You are really listening carefully!”
R
Reflect:
- “Was it easy or hard for you to play that game?” (Acknowledge their feelings and efforts)
Not quite ready?
Practice with familiar two-letter words and continue saying the word then each sound together.
Ready for more?
Your child can try to independently identify the sounds in CVC words.
As your child masters this skill...
They will count the phonemes (individual sounds) in words.