Letter-sound correspondence

What is 'letter-sound correspondence'?

Letter-sound correspondence is connecting the symbols we see in writing with the sounds we hear when speaking.

Why it matters

Teaching letter-sound correspondence helps children understand the link between letters and the sounds they represent so they can begin to sound out words, which is the first step in decoding. This ability to break words into individual sounds and blend them together helps children read unfamiliar words independently, build their vocabulary, and develop their spelling skills. 

Activities using Cami's Reading
Adventure Card Set

Turn a card. ‘Say the sound that matches this letter. Can you think of a word that starts with this sound?’
Place the cards on a table face up. ‘Can you find the letter that matches the sound I say?’

Additional letter-sound correspondence activities

  • Using the orange card set: Place a card on the table. Can you find the letter that matches the initial sound? Repeat with final and medial sounds.

Teaching tips

  • Start with lower-case letters and move on to upper-case.
  • Choose a few to start with and once mastered, introduce a few more.
  • Use the sound bytes on the resource page of the website to hear the correct pronunciation of each sound according to recent developments into the science of reading.
  • Phonics programs often include a scope and sequence to follow when introducing letter-sound correspondence. We recommend introducing sounds that are auditorily similar (such as ‘f’ and ‘v’) be separated in beginning instruction.
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