What Sounds Do You Hear?
Here's What To Do
Put three blocks or other objects in a line from left to right. Explain to your child that the first block represents the beginning sound in a word, the middle block is the middle sound and the last block is the ending sound.
Say a word, then slowly say each sound as you touch or move each block. Your child can repeat as they touch or move each block to represent each sound.
Then, say the word again. Ask your child to touch the block and say either the beginning, middle or ending sound.
Use three-letter CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like “hip,” “got” “leg.”
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- To help your child get ready to focus on sounds, take turns making a silly sound that the other person repeats.
Engage:
- “Let’s touch each block while we say the sounds in the word ‘cup.’ ‘C-u-p.’”
- “What sound did you hear in the middle of the word ‘cup?’”
Encourage:
- It can be tricky to identify each sound separately, it’s OK to do it with your child.
- Use two sets of blocks or other objects so your child can copy you.
Reflect:
- “Was it easy or hard for you to play that game?” (Acknowledge their feelings and efforts)
Not quite ready?
Identify the sounds together. Start with words with two sounds before progressing to CVC words together.
Ready for more?
Say the individual sounds and ask your child to guess the word by blending the sounds together.
As your child masters this skill...
They will identify the beginning, middle and ending sounds in words.