Phonics Basics

What Is Phonics?

Phonics is a way to hear the sounds in words. Each letter has a special sound. When we put the sounds together, we can read a word. It is like a puzzle that we solve with our ears.

Sound the Letters

A says /æ/ as in apple. B says /b/ as in ball. C can say /k/ as in cat or /s/ as in cent. Try saying the sound before you say the letter name. Clap your hands for each sound you hear. Practice a few letters each day.

Play with Words

Pick three letters you know. Put their sounds together. For example, C‑A‑T makes the word “cat.” Write the letters, then say the word slowly. Change one letter to hear a new word, like “bat” or “rat.” Playing with letters helps you become a strong reader.

Encourage yourself to listen, speak, and have fun with sounds every day.