How to use this sheet

  • Do the sheet aloud. These are listening skills, so the child does not need to read the words.
  • Clap or tap each syllable, or put a hand under the chin and feel the jaw drop for each one.
  • For sounds, push a counter into a box for each sound you hear: c-a-t is three counters. To change a sound, swap the counter for that sound and say the new word.

Common mistakes

  • Counting letters instead of sounds, so "ship" gets four counters. The sh makes one sound.
  • Clapping each sound instead of each syllable, so "cat" gets three claps. A syllable is a beat of the word.
  • Saying the word too fast to hear its parts. Say it slowly, like a robot.

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