PHONICS

Picture-Word Card Matching: Gather pictures of objects and glue onto index cards. On another card, write the name of each object. As you match the word to the picture, point to the first letter of each word. Once your child masters beginning letter sounds you can recycle the same cards only point out the ending (last) sound of the word. Eventually, you can re-use the cards a third time around to reinforce the vowel or middle sounds. This process will take months or even a year or two depending on your child. Please do not rush your child.

Letter Sound Cup Toss: Take 4 to 6 plastic disposable drinking cups. Inside the cup toward the top use a marker and write one letter in each cup. Then set the cups together on the floor. Give your child a small ball or beanbag or even a crumbled up paper to form a ball (it won't bounce away) then have your child toss the ball into a cup. Whichever cup it lands in, your child must identify the letter and state the letter sound and possibly a word beginning with that letter sound.

Letter Blending Practice: As your child learns the letter-sound relationship start to put two or three letters together to form words. Place the following flashcards on the table with about two inches between each card: f, u, n. Say the letter sound for each. Then move the flash cards together so the sides are touching. Now very slowly say: f-u-n. Do not spell the word but say the sound each letter makes, then start to say each sound a little faster until it comes out sounding like a word.

Online Phonics Games: There are many, many free websites with learning games with phonics. Many of these have auditory components so your child will hear the sound as well as see it. Try a few websites for yourself after your child has gone to bed. Then save them on your favorites and every few days allow your child to try a phonics "game". This should NOT be an "everyday" event.