One of the building blocks for reading and writing is the ability to hear (segment) and blend sounds in words. Just recently, NJoy and his favorite bird friends had fun with this a counting sounds in words game. We played several games with the cards from my FREE download {link at the end of this post}.
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Counting Sounds in Words
1. I placed a sound card on the floor {at first, I stuck mostly with pictures that had 3 and 4 sounds} for him to see.
2. We named the object together.
3. We said the object again, but this time very slowly, stretching out each sound in the word like this: c — a — t. I separated each sound by a tiny pause.
4. He placed one bird for each sound in the word below each picture.
The 4-sound picture cards were a bit trickier for him. For example, in the picture card plug, he placed three birds out as he said, p — u — g. I encouraged him to listen to me say the word slowly and then copy me by saying it again to see if he could hear one more sound in the word (the l). He got it after my help about 85% of the time…making progress!
Blending Sounds in Words
Since the 4-sound picture cards were a challenge, I knew that the 5-sound picture cards would probably be on his frustration level. So, I switched it up.
I placed 4 cards in a row, said a word by segmenting the sounds c-l-a-p. His job was to listen to the sounds, blend the sounds, say the word, then find it in the row.
Variations for Counting Sounds in Words
Each picture card also is included with numbers on the side so kids can clip the cards as they listen for sounds in words.
You can also use just the picture cards and use numbered clothespins to them or count with other toys, such as LEGO bricks or other favorite toys.
More Counting Sounds in Words Ideas:
- The Building Blocks of Reading {7 Days of Phonological and Phonemic Awareness}
- Beginning and Ending Sounds Activity
- Beginning Blend BINGO Game
- Each lesson of Reading the Alphabet has a syllable counting activity and so do all my FREE Pre-K/K Packs!
- 5 Ways to Play with Sounds in Words {Guest Post at Imagination Soup}
Follow This Reading Mama’s board Pre-Reading Skills: Rhyming & Phonological Awareness on Pinterest.
Download the FREE Sound Cards Pack HERE!
Enjoy!
~Becky
Thanks! I just pinned this for later!
I love the idea of counting the sounds! I’m definitely going to start doing this! Blends, such as “pl” that you discuss, is really one sound. Two letters but one sound. It may be important to designate between number of letters versus numbers of sounds.
I sent you an email back, but just to clear up things up, “blends” are when you have two letters and you hear both sounds (TWO sounds are made). The p and l in plug make two distinct sounds, so they count as two separate sounds. “Digraphs” are when you have two letters and you hear ONE sound, like in the word chug. The c and h make ONE sound.