3. Learning the Letter Sounds

After letter names, children need the sounds each letter makes. That is the step that turns letters into reading.

A sounds by themself are easy to forget. A child remembers it better when they say it, hear it, and associate something with it.

A simple way to make the sounds stick is with the Letter Friends

Each Letter Friend is a puppet your child cuts out and glues together. Mom can staple on the craft stick when the puppet its done. On the back is a short poem. Your child circles the letters for that sound. Then the puppet joins the daily drill.

  • Alligator Ann helps with short a — /a/ /a/

  • Amy Ape helps with long A

You make one. Your child makes one. Then both puppets are ready for practice. ( one can be hung on the wall if you like and one can be use for child practice)

Want to meet Alligator Ann and Amy Ape?

Here is a 2 minute video of the alphabet puppets and how to practice the sounds. You can also hold them and practice the sounds. And of course you only practice the sounds you have completed .