Initial Consonant Exercises

Age
4-6.

Materials

 * Rug or table.
 * Set of drawers. Each drawer containing 2 consonants and objects or pictures begining with those sounds. Letters are taught in the sequence listed under the Sound Table exercise.

Presentation

 * Bring one drawer to the table or rug.
 * Take out consonants from box and place each on table.
 * Point to the one on the left and ask child, "What sound does this one make?"
 * Repeat each sound.
 * Directress takes the object out of the box, ask child, "What is this?".
 * Unless it is obvious directress tells them what it is.
 * Directress asks child if he can hear the beginning sound.
 * Try to get the child to repeat the name of the object or picture to see if the child recognizes the beginning sound.
 * Ask, "Does it starts with the sound 'b', or 'm'?" Child responds.
 * Directress places it under appropriate letter sound.
 * Continue until all objects are sorted.
 * After the first, allow the child to place under appropriate letter.

Control Of Error

 * The Directress.
 * Words printed on the reverse side of picture cards.
 * Pictures or objects should be in a row underneath the corresponding initial consonant.

Points Of Interest
The pictures and objects in the drawers.

Purpose

 * To refine auditory perception of consonant sounds and medial vowel sounds.
 * To provide representation of spoken word in graphic symbols.
 * To develop visual and auditory memory.
 * To prepare for resding, writing and spelling.

Variation

 * 1) Have many objects (not just beginning with the consonant you are working with) in a basket. Have child go and fetch those objects from the basket that begin with the letter he is working on.