5 Tips to Help Kids Hear Sounds in CVC Words

5 Tips to Help Kids Hear
Sounds in CVC Words

What Are CVC Words?

CVC words are three-letter words that follow a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, such as “cat,” “dog,” and “sun.” Each sound in these words is distinct, making them great for teaching early reading skills. Helping kids hear the individual sounds in CVC words is a key step toward learning how to read and spell.

Here are 5 simple tips to help your child hear sounds in CVC words:

Stretch the Word Out Slowly say the word, stretching out each sound. For example, “caaa-t.” Encourage your child to say it with you, so they can hear the beginning, middle, and ending sounds clearly.
Clap the Sounds Break the word into sounds and clap for each sound. For example, for “dog,” clap once for /d/, once for /o/, and once for /g/. This movement helps kids connect physical action with hearing the sounds.
Use Sound Boxes Draw three boxes on a piece of paper. Say a CVC word, and have your child place a marker or small object in each box as they say the sounds. For example, for “pig,” they would place one marker in each box as they say /p/ /i/ /g/.
Play “I Spy” with Sounds Say, “I spy something that starts with the /b/ sound,” and see if your child can find something that begins with that sound. This game helps with identifying beginning sounds in CVC words.
Practice with Picture Cards Show your child a picture of a simple object, like a “cat” or “pen,” and have them say the word slowly, emphasizing each sound. Encourage them to touch their mouth or throat to feel how the sounds change as they say the word.