Helping your child hear the smaller sounds in words

Being able to hear the beginning and ending sounds that make up words will help children sound out words when they begin to read.  Most children who have difficulty reading have trouble hearing these smaller sounds in words.

Important note: Hearing the smaller sounds in words is developmentally beyond most children under the age of 5 years.  It is counter-productive to try these ideas before your child is ready.

Ideas to try with 5-year-olds

• Recite nursery rhymes together. List of titles
• Share tongue twisters. List of titles
• Sing silly songs with words that rhyme. List of titles
• Read rhyming books. List of titles
• Help your child listen for sounds that don't belong.  For example, say four words, such as toast, door, most and roast.  Ask your child to pick out the word that doesn't rhyme.