- Be sure that you and your learner(s) are pronouncing each letter sound correctly, without an extraneous “uh” sound at the end. Remember that correct letter sound knowledge provides a foundation for successful reading and spelling.
- For learners who have difficulty pronouncing a letter sound correctly, show them how your mouth looks as you pronounce it. Indicate the position of your teeth, tongue, and/or lips. Provide a mirror and ask them to try to do the same. Provide guidance in the process of making the sound, using only positive words. For those who are still having difficulty, keep in mind that this is a developmental process and accept approximations. The key is to help them come as close as possible without experiencing frustration. Normed speech development charts, such as the one provided by SLTinfo, can help you determine the age at which most children are able to accurately pronounce specific sounds. If you are concerned about abnormal pronunciation difficulties, consult a pediatrician or certified speech therapist.
- Help children find or think of items that begin with the letter sound they are learning. Guide them in this process. Show them the connection between the written and spoken words, pointing out how the first letter of each word matches the first sound. (Avoid irregular words in this process.) Remember to keep feedback positive, praising and encouraging them along the way.
- For letters that make more than one sound (a, e, i, o, u, g, c, y), focus on one phoneme (unit of sound) at a time until mastery is achieved.
- Provide adequate time to practice one sound before moving on to the next. Most young children need to focus on a new sound for 2 to 5 days, depending upon their age and level of readiness.
- Provide multiple opportunities for reviewing previously taught sounds. Children generally need significant practice with a letter sound before they are able to master it.
- To help your child master letter sounds efficiently, use tools such as flashcards and embedded picture mnemonics. These and other effective instructional strategies can be found in programs such as SnapBack Phonics.
7 Essential Steps for Teaching Letter Sounds to Children
Nancy Berodyn
Founder and company president, Nancy Berodyn, M.A.Ed., is the creator of all SnapBack Phonics instruction. She is an award-winning, experienced educator with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Administration, Supervision, Curriculum Planning, and Instruction. Among other accolades, Nancy earned the title of “Teacher of the Year” 2008-2009 and is listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 10th Edition, Vol. I, 2006. She has educated thousands of kindergarten through fifth-grade students in general education inclusionary classrooms as well as small group settings. In the words of administrators who have observed her instructional expertise, “Mrs. Berodyn takes her students on a journey of excitement and exploration” (Nulle, 2013), and “the achievement level of her students is very high” (Yennella, 2004). She has witnessed how SnapBack Phonics strategies have helped countless students learn to read and overcome difficulties. Nancy’s mission is to accelerate reading capabilities among beginning readers nationwide and to empower children of various learning styles and ability levels with strategies for success!