It is very important for children to understand how letter combinations work within words. Once such example is that of consonant blends--tr, cr, pl, fl, sn sp, gl, cr, tr, and sl. Students must be able to combine the sound of two letters to create a blended sound. In order to help children combine these sounds, one must first be able to hear the individual sounds of each letter. To help your child hear these sounds, play word games with them. Say a word that begins with the consonant blend and then ask the child to say the word without the first letter. Remember to always say the word and make the sound you want removed. For example, you would say "trot" without the /t/ sound is... your child should respond with "rot". Continue to practice until your child can successfully complete 9 of the 10 words.
Here is another fun activity to do with your word wall (refrigerator)/ Choose a word from the wall and play "mystery word" with it. You give your child a hint about what the mystery word is. For example, I chose fig as my word. I would begin by saying my word has a short vowel sound. The child is allowed to record up to 5 words, from the word wall that fits this pattern. Then you give another hint: my word has a short "i" sound. The child again rocords 5 words. They may be different words from the first list. You give another hint: my word has 3 letters in it. The hints help to narrow the search for the word. You will need to choose the word you are going to use before the exercise begins. Come up with about 5 or 6 patterns for the word. Make a fun time. Remember to share your mystery word at the end of the search, whether or not the child figures it out.
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