The Preschooler

Teaching Letter Sounds

When teaching young children the sounds associated with each letter of the alphabet, it is fairly easy to practice with a child in almost any situation.  For example, while traveling in the car, road signs can be used to identify letters.  Once a letter is identified, parents can ask what sound the letter makes.  Of course there numerous are games, flashcards, toys, etc. that also provide a good review for learning letter sounds.

However, there is also a common mistake adults often make when teaching children letter sounds.  As we all know, each letter of the alphabet, with the exception of vowels, has one specific sound that it makes.  These sounds are short sounds, and it is often the tendency of adults to try and make each sound into a word.  As an example, the letter “m” says “mmmm”, as in “Mmm, that tastes good.”  It does not say, “muh”, but that is how many people will say each sound that letters make when teaching children.

The problem with add the “uh” sound is that it can make it difficult for children to sound out words.  For example, the word “fin” does not sound out as “fuh-i-nuh”.  As you are working with your child, concentrate on the articulation you are using.  Are you making this common mistake?  If so, do your best to shorten the sounds, and encourage your child to do the same.

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Written by BRWI Staff on June 25, 2010