I Spy First Sounds
What you need
- the table and what's on it
How to do it
- While you eat, say "I spy with my little eye something beginning with..." and give the sound, not the letter name: "b" as in bowl.
- Pick something easy to see, like a bowl or the bread, and give them a few guesses.
- If they're stuck, say the whole word slowly, stretching the first sound: "b-b-bowl".
- Then let them choose something and give you its first sound.
Why it matters
Hearing the first sound in a word is a big part of reading later on, and a table full of things gives plenty to choose from.
What they're learning
- First sounds
- Hearing the "b" at the start of bowl and bread.
- Listening closely
- Saying a word slowly to hear how it starts.
- Taking turns
- Choosing a thing and giving the clue when it's their go.
What to look for
Notice them saying a word slowly to themselves, trying out its first sound.
A tip
Use the sound a letter makes, not its name: "mmm" for milk, not "em". Things that start with one clear sound are easiest.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: say the sound and point at two things, one that starts with it and one that doesn't
Harder: find two things on the table that start with the same sound, like spoon and sausage
