How to Teach Beginning Sounds

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Learning the sounds that each letter makes and then learning to identify those sounds at the beginning of words is the first step in students learning to read.  Almost every parent begins their child’s education by teaching them the ABC’s, but once that skill is mastered the nitty gritty of learning to read comes next. Today we are focusing on How to Teach Beginning Sounds in a fun and engaging way!

If you are just getting started with teaching reading you may want to check out this post on Teaching Phonemic Awareness.

5 Ways to Teach Beginning Sounds to Beginning Readers

1. 1. Play games! Studies have shown that the more a student connects to a particular subject in a positive way the more likely they are to retain the information.
      1.  Check out games Like ABC Go Fish, where students will practice saying sounds and matching letters.
      2. Go on a word hunt. See if your student can find an object around the house for every letter of the alphabet.
      3. Hold up picture cards and have your student say the sound at the beginning of each word. If they get it correct let them shoot a basket or play a game like hangman.
   2. Read and read often.  Choose children’s books that have rhyming words and alliteration so that your student can pick up on the sounds at the beginning of words.
   3. Expose them to letters and words often. Point out letters on signs, menus, commercials…etc. and then ask your student to identify them and tell you the sound.
   4. Get them moving and singing.  When students can move and learn at the same time their brain makes connections quicker. This video on YouTube is a cute one to get kids up and moving.
   5. Enhance and solidify their learning with digital game play using websites like Starfall or Reading Eggs.

If you are teaching a beginning reader then this FREE Beginning Sound Puzzle is the perfect Game to enhance their learning.  Each puzzle piece has a letter and two pictures. Cut them apart and mix them up. Students can practice their understanding of letter sounds by matching the letters with the beginning sound of each picture on the puzzle piece.

I have included in this resource an extra worksheet that will help do a quick check for understanding. While I personally don’t think worksheets need to be used very often for young students in their early learning years, I do think they can be helpful, on occasion, when you want to practice skills like reading, cutting and pasting, and following directions.

Looking for More Beginning to Read Activities Check out these Resources!

This Lesson is part of my Skill Builder Series and part of the

Tips for Homeschool Moms 10 days Series. 

Angela

Angela is the Homeschool Encourager for the Overwhelmed & Under-Caffeinated and the Chaos-to-Confidence Specialist behind Schooling with Grace. With a no-fluff approach, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of heart, she helps homeschool moms cut through the chaos, ditch unrealistic expectations, and teach with confidence.