Sound Substitution When You Only Have a Minute

Sound substitution is when you take a word then change one of the letters to make a new word.

Gaining confidence in sound substitution is excellent for growing readers and writers. It helps children understand how sounds work in words and how they can be manipulated and changed. This skill can be practiced and consolidated using little bits of time so it’s perfect for our when you only have a minute series!

Sound substitution is all about becoming confident at sounding out words a) so kids can work out what word they’re reading, and b) so they can spell and write with enjoyment.

This sound substitution strip is super quick and easy to make and use. Even 30 seconds is long enough to try a word or two! And because it’s small and narrow it’s easy to store somewhere close by or pop in your purse for your kids to play with while they’re waiting when you’re out.

What to do

1. Print off the following page. Use colored paper to brighten it up a bit.
2. Fold all the lines to crease the paper.
3. Fold the paper concertina fashion and staple across the top on the shaded section.
4. Cut on the 2 dotted lines… be careful not to cut through the shaded section.
5. You’re ready to go!

How to use

A. Kids can lift the flaps randomly and read the ‘word’ created. It doesn’t have to be a real word, they can still read it by sounding it out as usual.

B. The words on the end are for children to try and find. Mostly, the word flaps don’t need to be used.

C. The trickiest part is to teach students they can use any of the letters they see. When the flaps are open there are 2 lines of letters rather than 1, so they may choose a letter above or below the rest of the letters they’re reading. In other words, they don’t have to read in a straight line. That gives them many more substitution options.

D. Great for a paired activity where the kids flip through and read new words together.

E. It’s also good for a quick and easy assessment tool.

Have you downloaded this printable yet?

If not, here’s the Sound Substitution printable again. Just click the highlighted link!

I hope your little ones enjoy this activity and wish you happy teaching and learning!