Beginning sounds: Garden creatures (Circle: 4 letters)

What your child practises

Skills: Beginning sounds.

Hearing the sounds in words, linking sounds to letters and reading simple words with picture support.

What’s included

• 8 problems
• An answer key you can print with the sheet or on its own
• An on-screen version with instant marking and stars

Age and school year

Made for ages 3–6. That’s Pre-K – Grade 1 in the US, Nursery – Year 2 in England, Nursery 1 – Primary 1 in Nigeria and LKG – Class 1 in India.

How to use it

• Print it at home or school – it fits a standard A4 or US Letter page.
• Print the answer key too, so marking takes seconds.
• Play it on screen: answers are marked instantly and children earn stars.
• Write on it on a tablet or touchscreen with a finger or stylus – no printer needed.

Tips for parents and teachers

1. 1Turn the words into a game afterwards: find one in a book, or use it in the silliest sentence you can.
2. 2Praise the sounds your child got right, even in a misspelt word – it keeps them willing to have a go.
3. 3Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes and finish with praise – young children learn best in short bursts.