How to teach letter sounds at home

Start with the sound, not the letter name

When you show S, say the sound: /s/. Do not begin with the letter name, “ess.”

Letter names are useful. But reading starts when a child connects what they see with the sound it makes. Keep the sound short and clear: /m/, /s/, /t/.

Use a simple routine

1. Point to one letter.
2. Say its sound clearly.
3. Ask your child to say the sound with you.
4. Repeat it once or twice, then stop.

You can add a picture or a familiar word after the sound. For example, S says /s/ like the first sound in sun. The letter and its sound should stay at the centre.

Keep practice short

Three sounds practised well are more useful than a large alphabet chart rushed through once. Stop while your child is still interested.

A short daily sitting works well. Watch the sound, say it together, then let your child try. About fifteen minutes is enough.

Do not move to words too soon

A child may recognise a few letters before the sounds are firm. Give them time to hear, say, and remember those sounds first.

When they know a small set of sounds, the next step is putting them together. Read how to teach a child to blend sounds.

How AptyRead helps

AptyRead begins with Sound Foundations. Children see the letter, hear the sound, watch how it is made, and practise before moving on.

Topics and lessons unlock in order, so early reading does not rest on missing sounds.