How to Introduce a New Sound

How to Introduce a New Sound

How to Introduce a New Sound

   

A Simple Four Step Guide

Take a look at our simple four step guide to find out how to introduce a new sound.

A tray filled with sand. The letter s has been written in the sand. Next to the tray is a stick.
 Step 1

Capital and lower case

Introduce the capital and lower case letters at the same time. It's important for children to be able to identify both capital and lower case letters. Explain that we use lower case letters most of the time, but we use capital letters at the start of a sentence and for names of people and places.

A tray filled with sand. A child's can is writing in the sand with a stick.
Step 2

Letter name and sound

Say the name of the letter and the sound it makes. It's important for children to know both the letter name and the sound. Letter names are often used in shop names, addresses and in the ABC song.

A tray filled with sand. A child's hand can be seen writing in the tray with a stick.
Step 3

Writing the letter

Practise writing the letter in the air with your finger before using a pencil. The larger muscles in our arm and hand are easier to control and will help your child learn the shape of the letter. Once you have written it in the air a few times have a go with a pencil.

A bear, a book and a ball. A leaf, a lemon and a lock. A pen, a peg and a potato.
Step 4

Sound hunt

Go on a hunt around the house to find objects that begin with the sound. Making learning fun and active will help children to remember the information.