E.1 Consonant sounds: start, middle, and end
Understanding Consonant Sounds
Consonant sounds are the speech sounds made when the flow of air is blocked or partly blocked by the tongue, teeth, or lips. Learning to recognize consonant sounds helps us read and spell words more easily.
- bat → b - a - t
- log → l - o - g
- fan → f - a - n
When you hear a new word, listen carefully for the consonant sound at the beginning. Say it slowly to notice the sound your mouth makes.
Beginning Consonant Sounds
Every word has a beginning sound. Identifying the consonant at the start of a word helps us recognize and spell it correctly.
- dog → beginning sound: d
- sun → beginning sound: s
- man → beginning sound: m
To practice, say a word out loud and stretch the first sound. For example, ssssun. This helps your ear notice the beginning consonant.
Ending Consonant Sounds
The last sound in a word is often a consonant. Paying attention to the ending consonant helps us read and write complete words.
- cat → ending sound: t
- hat → ending sound: t
- cup → ending sound: p
Say the word slowly and stop at the last sound. Try holding your hand under your chin to feel when the word ends.
Consonants in the Middle
Some words have consonants in the middle. Listening for these helps us notice how the sounds connect to form a complete word.
- map → middle sound: a, but consonants m and p surround it
- sit → middle sound: i, consonants s and t around it
- pen → middle sound: e, consonants p and n around it
Say the word slowly, paying close attention to the middle. Tap your fingers for each sound: beginning, middle, and end.
Blending and Segmenting with Consonants
To read smoothly, we blend consonant sounds with vowels. To spell, we segment or pull apart the sounds. Practicing both helps us become strong readers and writers.
- Blend: c + a + t → cat
- Segment: sun → s - u - n
- Blend: p + i + g → pig
Practice blending by saying the sounds slowly, then faster until they come together as a word. For segmenting, stretch the word out and listen for each sound.