Use Blocks to Count the Sounds
Here's What To Do
1
Say a word, then slowly say each sound as you touch or move each block.
2
Your child can repeat as they touch or move each block to represent each sound.
3
Start with two-letter words like “up,” “in,” “ed” (made up words are OK too!). Then, include three-letter CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like “pot,” “fun” “sip.”
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 ‘cat’ is made of three sounds ‘c-a-t.’”
- “Let’s touch each block while we say the sounds. ‘Cat. c-a-t.’ Three sounds!”
E
Encourage:
- Have two small piles of blocks. Say the sounds as you touch the blocks first. Then, each of you can do it together with your own set of blocks.
- “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.