The Preschooler

Where in the Word

Once your child is able to identify the sounds associated with each letter of the alphabet, and he can identify the letters as they are used as the beginning sound in words, move on to a more difficult, yet similar concept of identifying the letter sounds in other parts of words.  For example, the letter ‘d’ starts the word “dog”, it is in the middle of the word “puddle”, and it can be heard at the end of the word “mud”.

Vowels sounds can be very difficult to identify, so begin by making a short list comprised of one or two syllable words using each consonant in the alphabet at the beginning, middle, and end of the words.  (You may be able to make these short lists in your head on the fly.  However, when you are trying to intercept an impending tantrum while waiting in line or at a doctor’s office, it is nice to have a list handy in the diaper bag or purse.)

Ask your child to identify the sound the target letter makes.  Then, one word at a time, ask your child to identify where he hears the sound, in the beginning, middle, or end.

For awhile, you will need to use the letter once each at the beginning, middle and end.  You can use them in any order, but your child will expect to listen for the letter sound in each of the three places.  Once your child has mastered the concept, you can play the game simply by naming a letter and having your child identify where it is in one part of the word.  You can then move on to another letter and another word place.

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Written by BRWI Staff on February 6, 2010