📖 Reading & talking · Ages 3–4 · about 4 weeks

First Sounds

Goal: Hear the first sound in a word and learn the sounds of s, a, t, p, i and n.

For parents: Use the letter's sound, not its name: 'sss' not 'ess', 'p' (a short puff) not 'pee'. These six letters come first because they make the most words.

Do together

  1. I spy with my little ear

    You need: Nothing

    'I spy with my little ear something that starts with sss…' (sock, spoon, sofa). Hold the first sound long so they can hear it.

  2. Sound bag

    You need: A bag, objects that start with s, p or t (spoon, sock, pen, pot, toy, towel)

    Pull one out and say it slowly, stretching the first sound: 'ssspoon'. Sort them into a 's' pile and a 'p' pile.

  3. Sound actions

    You need: Nothing

    Give each sound a movement: s — wiggle your hand like a snake and hiss; t — tap your wrist like a clock; p — puff at a candle. Do the action whenever you hear the sound.

Talk about it

  • What sound does your name start with?
  • Does 'sun' start with sss or mmm?
  • Can you find something in the kitchen that starts with p?

Words to use

  • sound
  • first
  • starts with
  • listen

Play

  • Letter Pop
    Letters
  • Balloon Pop
    Letter fluency
  • Word Builder
    Syllables & word building
Play these games free

Every game is free for every family until 20 November 2026.

Your child can…

Ticks are saved on this device only. Move on when most are ticked.