1. Start with oral blending FIRST. Before jumping into letters, try this: "I'm going to say three sounds and blend them to make a word. Listen: /ffff/ /iiiii/ /sh/. FISH! Now it's your turn. /sss/ /uuu/ /nnnn/. What's the word?"

This lets students focus purely on the sounds before adding the visual component of letters. (After doing this oral activity, be sure to add letters later in the lesson.)

2. Start with words that begin with continuous sounds. Did you know that words beginning with continuous sounds (like /m/, /s/, and /f/) are actually easier to blend than words starting with "stop" sounds (like /k/, /p/, and /t/)?

That's why "mat" can be easier to sound out than "top."

3. Try working with just two letters (VC words) like ON, IF, AT, US and UP. These shorter words can build confidence before students tackle longer ones.