Early literacy - learning first sounds

One of the skills a child need to develop for learning to spell is hearing and recognising the sounds in words.
This is usually developed as first sound, last sound and then middle sound (but some kids do first, middle then end).

It is important to distinguish between

The easiest first sounds to teach a child are those that are made at the front of the mouth where they can be easily seen and can be drawn out or exagerated eg 'mmm', 'sss', 'sh', 'ffffff'. (try drawing out the 'b' sound without sounding like you have a stutter!) You can show an item eg a toy  mouse and say "does this start with 'mmm' or 'sh' "(see "more on forced choice" for strategies to support your child while they are learning). Or you can say 'what is the first sound you can hear in mouse?" then if the child needs more help you could say the word again but draw out the first sound eg 'mmmmouse'.

Remember that sounds and letters are not the same. The first letter in george is 'g' but the first sound is a 'j' sound.

You can play 'I spy' using first sounds eg  "I spy with my little eye something that starts with "sh"
Then give clues if needed eg "and it is in the paddock over there and it has lots of wool."

Don't forget to make it fun! (for both of you).