If you’re wondering how to get your toddler or preschooler started on the path to reading, the answer might be simpler than you think: start with letter sounds, not just letter names.

Letter sounds – also known as phonemes – are the building blocks of reading. Teaching your child how each letter sounds (not just what it’s called) helps them begin to "crack the code" of written language. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to teach letter sounds at home using simple, proven methods that fit into real-life parenting.

Why Letter Sounds Matter More Than Letter Names

It’s great if your child knows that “B” is called “bee” – but what matters more for reading is that “B” says /b/ (as in bat). When kids learn to connect letters to sounds, they build the foundation for sounding out words later on.

Teaching letter sounds first:

Builds phonemic awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words)
Supports early decoding (sounding out words like cat, dog, sun)
Leads to more confident, independent reading

5 Easy Ways to Teach Letter Sounds at Home

1. Make it a Sound Game

Turn letter sounds into a daily game. At breakfast, ask:

“What sound does ‘M’ make? Let’s think of foods that start with /m/!”

You might say “milk, muffin, mango” – and your child will start playing along. Repetition + fun = learning that sticks.

2. Use Visual + Auditory Pairing

Show a letter and say its sound at the same time. For example:

Hold up the letter “S”
Say: “This is the letter S. It says /s/ like snake.”
Make a fun sound: “/sssssss/!”

This pairing builds visual and auditory memory. You can use flashcards, magnet letters, or apps like Lotty Learns that combine visual, audio, and interactive touch.

3. Start with the Most Common Sounds

You don’t have to go in ABC order. Begin with letters kids hear and say most often, like:

M, S, T, A, P, N

These are easier for young mouths and show up in many early words. Wait to introduce more complex sounds (like “ch” or “th”) until the basics are strong.

4. Integrate Sound Play Into Daily Routines

When getting dressed: “Socks! What sound do we hear at the start of socks? /s/!”

When playing: “Let’s jump like a jaguar! What sound does ‘jaguar’ start with?”

No extra time needed – just layer letter sound practice into everyday moments.

Mom teaching phonics at breakfast. “S is for spoon!”

5. Keep Sessions Short and Encouraging

2–5 minutes of focused sound play per day is enough. If your child loses interest, stop. The goal is to build confidence and connection, not cram.

Celebrate small wins:

“You remembered the /b/ sound! You’re getting stronger every day!”

Positive reinforcement is more powerful than correction.

Bonus Tip: Use a Structured Program for Support

Consistency is key – and that’s where a guided program like Lotty Learns can help. Our interactive games, video lessons, and printable worksheets are designed for kids aged 2–6 to learn phonics step-by-step, while keeping it fun and manageable for parents.

Whether you're using the app during breakfast or practicing with printable flashcards before bed, Lotty makes phonics simple.

In a Nutshell…

Teaching letter sounds at home doesn’t require a teaching degree – just a few minutes of intentional play, repetition, and praise. By helping your child connect letters to sounds, you’re giving them the tools to read independently and confidently.

Ready to make phonics fun?

🎉 Start your FREE 7-day Lotty Learns trial – interactive games and videos that turn sounds into success.

How to Teach Letter Sounds at Home: A Parent’s Guide to Phonics Basics