A quick internet search will reveal countless sources of free, printable alphabet cards. Or, you can make them yourself (perhaps with the kids’ help). Choose colorful index cards and markers to make them more visually interesting. Write the letter clearly on one side, and the sound(s) on the other.
Provide extra guidance as needed for letters that produce more than one sound. For instance: “You’re right, “c” does make that sound in a word like cat. But what sound does it make in the word circle?”
Letter combination cards are also available for download or purchase, or you can once again make them yourself.
Provide multiple picture cards for more common word-starting letters. Make sure they are images that a child will easily recognize. For instance, a turtle is a better choice than a trombone or toolbox.
For instance, the pictures could represent the following: bear, triangle, smile, spoon, sunflower, spinner, sign, train, tree. If your child needs support, ask “What is the first sound you hear in the word bear? What letter makes the /b/ sound? Is it the letter b, s, or t?"
Ask similar questions to those regarding starting sounds: “What is the last sound you hear in the word frog?”
Once again, ask guiding questions: “What sound do you hear in the middle of the word boat?”
Place different magnetic (or similar) letters below the set of squares. You might also want to use black lettering to represent consonants, and red to represent vowels.
Examples include: cat, hat, sat, bat, pet, set, bet, tap, cap, cab. After you say the word, have your child repeat it slowly, pronouncing each sound heard: /c/, /a/, /t/.
Guide them along if they struggle: “The middle of “cat” sounds like the start of “apple. " What letter starts the word apple?”
For instance: soup, soap, chin, that, rich. Keep using three squares for these types of four-letter words. Have them put the paired letters that make a combined sound into a single square.
Instead of magnetic letters on the board, you can use letter cards on a tabletop.
Guide them as needed: “Cat, car, and cup all start with the same letter. Do you remember what letter “car” starts with?”
Then, have your child change the word “chat” to “chap. ” Include vowel sounds as well — turn “chap” into “chop. ” As their skills develop, increase the difficulty with longer words and more patterns.
Several children’s book publishers produce series marketed specifically towards phonics development. That said, any kids’ book that is engaging and skill-level appropriate will be beneficial.
Read rhyming books, poems, and songs. [11] X Expert Source Sylvia RathParenting Specialist Expert Interview. 18 May 2021. Read naturally, but perhaps more slowly and clearly than normal. Enunciate the different sounds in the words you read. You can also point to the word you’re reading. [12] X Expert Source Sylvia RathParenting Specialist Expert Interview. 18 May 2021.
Even if not directly connected to learning phonics, asking reading comprehension questions like “Now, why do you think she did that?” or “Hmm … What’s going to happen next?” will enhance concentration and enthusiasm. [15] X Research source
When they stumble on a word, don’t rush to give it to them. Help them try to sound it out first — “OK, now what sound does the letter “P” make?” If they continue to have trouble with the word, though, provide them with it before they get too frustrated and don’t want to continue. [17] X Research source
