Child will use listening skills to identify when words in a sentence have the same beginning sound.
Sit with your child at the table or on the couch and say, “I am going to say a silly sentence that has lots of words that begin with the same beginning sound. When I say a word that has the same beginning sound, you clap your hands.” If your child is hesitant, demonstrate the activity before asking him to have a turn.
Slowly say a silly sentence that has several words with the same beginning sound, and explain the rules to your child. For example, “Cars can climb through clouds… Clap as you say each word that begins with a /c/ sound. Do not clap when you say the word through since it does not start with a /c/ sound.” Next, repeat the silly sentence and ask your child to clap when he hears the words that begin with /c/ sound.
Use the silly sentences below to practice more beginning sounds, or you can create your own. Say each sentence once, then repeat it slowly to help your child listen for words that begin with the same sound:
Colby cooked cupcakes.
Kids kiss little kittens.
Babies bounce balls, balloons, and bananas.
The dirty dog decided to deliver donuts.
The furry fox fell into the fountain.
Happy hens hop to the house.
Little Lucy licked lemon lollipops.
My mommy makes meatloaf with mud.
Pick up the penny and put it in the purple pot.
Rabbits race with rhinos to the river.
Tiny trucks try to tumble.
It may be helpful at first to overemphasize the beginning sound so that your child clearly hears it.
If your child has a name that begins with a consonant, use that letter first when creating silly sentences (e.g., “Jayla jumps on jelly beans.”)