How to Teach a Child Letter Sounds

The earliest stages of reading and writing are formed when children first learn the phonetic sound that each letter makes. This is an amazing process to watch. It is one of the most fundamental steps you can take in helping a child with literacy. Read on to learn how to teach a child letter sounds.

Instructions

1. Write each letter in lowercase neatly on an index card.

2. Choose any five cards and place them in front of a child.

3. Say the phonetic sound of each letter as you point to the card. It is important that you are saying the more common sound, such as the "c" sound in "cat" and not in "celery."

4. Have the child repeat the sound after you.

5. Introduce only the short vowel sounds for the vowels at this stage.

6. Point to the cards out of order once all five cards have been given a sound and ask the child to give the phonetic sound.

7. Say one of the five phonetic sounds aloud and ask the child to point to the correct index card.

8. Introduce more letters in sets of five over time while also reviewing the letters that you have already taught.

9. Present more complex sounds such as the long vowel sounds and the multiple sounds of other letters such as "c" and "g," only after the child is extremely comfortable with the first 26 sounds you have covered.

10. Appeal to your child's learning style, if you have a visual child then point out labels and signs with words that start with the letters. Find songs with phonetic lessons if you child is more auditory.

Tips & Warnings

• Many companies have created great games and movies to help with learning phonetic sounds. Take advantage of these cautiously since some are created by educators and others are not.

• Have the child choose a letter and create a picture collage of items that begin with that letter's sound. Pictures can easily be found in magazines and newspaper ads.