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Twist Your Tongue!
Try this tongue twister!
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
Try saying it fast... then faster!
This silly rhyme is full of words that start with the same sound. That’s called alliteration—when words share the same beginning sound.
It’s one of the best ways to practice listening for the first sound in words.
Watch the Peter Piper video below and listen closely.
What Are Beginning Sounds?
Every word starts with a sound. That first sound helps readers figure out which letter comes at the beginning of a word.
Learning beginning sounds builds strong reading and spelling skills—and it can be lots of fun!
Sing the Sounds!
Now, it’s time to sing the alphabet—but with sounds!
The fun video below goes through each letter and shows two words that begin with the same sound. Sing along, clap the sounds, or say the words out loud.
Example: B – bug, ball – both start with /b/!
Try listening for the beginning sound in each pair. Say the sound out loud with the video: b-b-b, d-d-d, m-m-m...
The more you say the sounds, the easier they are to remember!
Read and Rhyme with Silly Sally
Get ready for a giggle!
Watch and listen to the story Silly Sally by Audrey Wood. It's filled with silly rhymes, fun animals, and playful words.
While listening, try this challenge.
pig = /p/
dog = /d/
sheep = /sh/
Say each beginning sound as you hear the word in the story. Then try saying the animal names in a silly way—just like Sally!
Now that you’ve heard sounds in rhymes, songs, and stories, it’s time to practice beginning sounds with your own words and games.
Head to the Got It? section now!
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