As parents, we play a crucial role in nurturing our children's language and pre-literacy skills.
One essential skill that forms the foundation of reading and writing is the ability to identify
the first and last sounds of words. By helping our children recognise these sounds, we can
ignite their curiosity, enhance their phonological awareness, and set them on the path to
becoming confident readers and writers. In this blog, as a speech pathologist, I will guide
you through practical strategies for incorporating first and last sound identification into your
reading routine with your child.
Select Books with Repetitive Language:
Choosing books that feature repetitive language patterns is a fantastic way to engage your
child in identifying first and last sounds. Look for books with rhymes, alliteration, or a
repetitive story structure. These elements create opportunities for your child to anticipate
the sounds and actively participate in the reading experience. Classic titles such as "Brown
Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle or "Chicka Chicka
Boom Boom" by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault are excellent examples.
Point Out First and Last Sounds:
While reading with your child, emphasise the initial and final sounds of words. Begin by
drawing attention to the first sound of each new word. For instance, if you're reading a book
about animals, point to a picture of a cat and say, "C-c-cat! Can you hear the 'c' sound at the
beginning of cat?" Encourage your child to repeat the sound and reinforce their effort by
praising their response. Similarly, when you encounter a word with a distinct ending sound,
like "dog" emphasize the g" sound by saying, "Listen to the last sound in dog, it's 'g'!"
Play Sound Identification Games:
Transform your reading time into a playful learning experience by incorporating sound
identification games. Pause at various points during the story and ask your child to identify
the first or last sound of a word. You can say, "Can you tell me the first sound you hear in
the word 'book'? It's "b'!" or "What is the last sound you hear in the word 'sun'? It's 'n'!&"
Make it interactive and enjoyable by providing small rewards or praises for correct answers,
fostering a positive learning environment.
Utilise Hands-On Activities:
Beyond reading, hands-on activities can further reinforce your child's ability to identify first
and last sounds. Create a sound sorting game by using picture cards representing different
objects or animals. Ask your child to sort the cards based on their first or last sound. For
instance, they can place cards with words starting with "s" in one pile and those ending with
"t" in another. This activity encourages active engagement and helps solidify their
understanding of first and last sounds.
Engage in Conversations:
Engaging in meaningful conversations while reading is essential for language development
and sound recognition. Encourage your child to talk about the story, characters, or their
favorite parts. During these conversations, subtly bring their attention to the sounds in
words. You can say, "I noticed the word 'boat' starts with the same sound as 'ball.' Can you
hear it too?" By fostering dialogue and encouraging active listening, you strengthen their
overall phonological awareness.
By incorporating first and last sound identification into your reading routine, you actively
promote your child's pre-literacy skills and lay a strong foundation for their future reading
and writing success. Remember to make it a joyful and interactive experience, celebrating
their efforts and progress along the way. Through shared reading and engaging activities,
you provide your child with valuable opportunities to.