Beginning sounds worksheets
Match pictures to the letter for their first sound, choose the first letter from three, and write the missing first letter. Choose worksheet options below.
How to use this worksheet
- Say the name of each picture aloud.
- Stretch the first sound and listen to it.
- Match the picture to its letter, circle the letter, or write the missing first letter.
Choose your practice
Choose matching each picture to its letter, choosing the first letter from three, or writing the missing first letter in a box. The pictures are original drawings with no picture theme. Letters use the same pre-cursive shapes as the tracing pages.
Start with the first level, and move on when the child hears the first sound easily. Say the picture name together before the child answers.
Changing the practice level creates a fresh version. For another sheet at the same level, use the New practice sheet button. Save the settings link or add the sheet to a pack to keep that version. Tracing keeps the same correct forms and varies their arrangement or path lengths.
Age guidance is approximate. Print on A4 or US Letter paper. Choose outlines to save ink or pre-coloured pictures to start the activity without colouring. The instructor key follows the same worksheet options and paper size.
Plan a short session
Combine this skill with related practice in the First sounds lesson pack. Review its worksheets before adding them to your pack.
Try another activity
Questions about this activity
How does a child find the first sound?
Say the name of the picture aloud and stretch the first sound, as in mmm for mop. Then find the letter that usually makes that sound. People say some words differently, so go with the way your child says the word and skip a picture if its name sounds different to you.
Why are some letters not shown together on one sheet?
Each sheet uses pictures with different first sounds. Letters that can make a similar sound, such as c and k, g and j, s and z, or c and s, and letters that are easily mixed up, such as b and d or p and q, are kept apart, so a child does not have to choose between them.
Which letters are covered?
The 18 consonants b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z. Vowels are left for later because their sounds change more between accents. The letters c and g stand for the hard sounds in cat and guitar.
Age labels are approximate guidance. Choose practice that suits the child. See printing help for A4, US Letter, colour and black-and-white settings, or browse other activities.