Embedded Files
A phoneme is the smallest unit of sound in a word.
Alliteration- when the initial sounds are the same in words
Increasingly challenging sounds to use when teaching alliteration:
Continuing sounds: /m/, /s/, /f/, /l/, /r/, /n/, /v/, /z/
Stop sounds: /b/, /d/, /g/, /p/, /t/, /k/, /j/
Tricky sounds: /h/, /w/, /y/, /x/, /q/
When you begin teaching alliteration, use sounds that can be drawn out and emphasized (i.e. continuing sounds). As students become more successful with continuing sounds, begin introducing letters that are difficult to say without adding the schwa sound (i.e. stop sounds). Save the tricky sounds for later when students have a deeper understanding of phonological awareness.
*It is not necessary for students to master one set of sounds before continuing to more challenging sets.
Working with Initial Phonemes
Working with Initial Phonemes
Letter Sound B field of 4.pdfIdentify Beginning Sounds
Identify Beginning Sounds
Name each picture for the student. Then ask student, "Which ones begin with /b/?"
Notice that only the picture is shown, not the word. You want students to listen for the beginning sound.
You can modify this activity by adjusting the field of choices, allowing them to answer with Yes/No or eye gaze, or by programming the activity into their AAC system.
*Extension: Have students name, point to, or find another word in their AAC system that begins with the same sound.
Card games
Card games
Similar to the rhyming activities, you can practice identifying onsets with card games. Create a set of picture cards that contain pairs with the same beginning syllable or phoneme. Students can play Memory, Go Fish, or 'Slap it!' to identify pairs with the same beginning sound.
Example script for Go Fish: " Do you have one that starts like /b/?"
Slap it!: Place 3 pictures cards in the middle (two with the same beginning sound and one that is different). Have students slap the one that has a different beginning sound.
*Modification: Have students use eye gaze, a switch, or their AAC system to identify the correct choice.
Sound bag
Sound bag
Fill a bag with objects that all begin with the same beginning sound. Have students pull them out or place them in their hand to explore. Name the object and practice isolating the beginning sound aloud. You can use classroom objects or a pre-made set like the one found HERE.
*Extension: Have students add objects to the bag that also begin with that sound. You can also throw some non-examples into the bag and have students find the imposters!
Spin the Wheel!
Spin the Wheel!
Use the Wheel of Names to create an interactive phonological awareness activity. This tool allows you to add pictures to the wheel and has many customizable features. Have students spin the wheel and identify phonemes! Feel free to copy this beginning sounds wheel and make it your own.
Word Chains
Word Chains
Engage students in a word chaining activity. For example, change the first sound in a word to make a new word. You can do this using letter tiles when Making Words or use a flipbook like the one found HERE. You could also create your own flipbook! Reinforce the beginning sound by having the student say it in their head, select the letter, or point to the letter.
Alliteration (Onset) Sorts
Alliteration (Onset) Sorts
Create a T chart and write down a few words at the top that the students knows (ex. car and map). Then ask students to listen for words that have the same beginning sound. For example, "Listen to the word 'cat.' Does it have the same beginning as 'car' or 'map'?" Students then sort words into the correct column.
*Modifications: Sort objects or photos of words that start with the target sounds.
Have students use eye gaze, a switch, or their AAC system to identify the correct choice.
Page updated
Report abuse