This game allows your child to practise identifying the letter sounds at the beginning, middle and end of selected words. Begin with simple words but as your child develops his or her skill, introduce more difficult words into the game.

What this activity will develop:
Reading, language and social skills

What you'll need:

• Index cards
• Marker
• Three cups
• Container of dried beans

1. Print 'beginning', 'middle' and 'ending' on three of the index cards.
2. Print vocabulary or spelling words on the other index cards. Underline one letter in each of the words that can be identified as a beginning, middle, or ending sound. For example, if the word is 'cat', underline the 'a' for a middle sound. For 'dog', underline the 'd' for a beginning sound. For 'card', underline the 'd' for an ending sound. You can gradually progress to longer and more difficult words.
3. Place the cups on a table where the players can reach them, and place the 'beginning', 'middle' and 'ending' cards in front of the cups. Set the container of dried beans near the cups.

1. Players work with partners. One player picks a word card and reads it to the other player. The first player then asks the partner where the sound of the underlined letter is heard. For example, 'Where do you hear the sound of b?'
2. The second player shows where the sound is heard by putting a bean into the correct cup. For example, if the word is 'embarrass' and the underlined letter is 'b', the player would put the bean in the cup marked 'middle'.

Select more skills:
• Listening Skills
• Math Skills
• Motor Skills Help
• Science Fun
• Reading Skills
• Vocabulary Builder

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