First sounds: what children learn
The first sound is the one a word begins with. Sun begins with s, and ship begins with sh.
Supports part of Common Core RF.K.2.d. Children isolate the first sound in a spoken word. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: RF.K.2.d. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
How to play
Pick a card on the left, then the card on the right that matches it. Each game has 4 pairs. Wrong matches are counted as mistakes, and you get three stars for a game with no mistakes.
Step by step
- Turn the sound on. Each Listen card plays a word. Tap it again whenever you like.
- Say the word slowly. Stretch the first sound: sssun.
- Find the letter. Choose the letter or letters for that sound.
- Think of more. Say other words that start with the same sound.
Worked examples
Example 1: Listen: sun
Working: sss-un: the first sound is s.
Answer: s
Example 2: Listen: ship
Working: sh-ip: sh is one sound.
Answer: sh
Example 3: Listen: cat
Working: c-at: the first sound is c.
Answer: c
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Choosing the letter name, not the sound Say the sound the letter makes, not its name.
- Hearing s in ship Listen again: ship starts with sh.
- Choosing the last sound Say just the start of the word.
Activities to try at home
- Play I spy with sounds: "I spy something beginning with m".
- Sort toys by first sound.
- Make a sound box: fill a box with things starting with one sound.
Ideas for the classroom
- Use a sound of the day and collect objects.
- Play the game as a whole class: children say the sound before tapping.
- Use magnetic letters to show the first sound.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a color-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
How should I choose this game for my learner?
Supports part of Common Core RF.K.2.d. Children isolate the first sound in a spoken word. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Is this spelling?
It is the first step: hearing sounds and choosing letters to write them.
Does my child need to read the Listen cards?
No. Each Listen card plays a recorded word when tapped, so children can play by ear. Turn the sound up and tap a card as many times as needed.