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I spy a sound: a play idea for 4 and 5 year olds

Hearing the first sound in a word is a key step on the way to reading. It takes about 8 minutes and uses nothing but you.

Checked October 29, 2026.

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How to play

I spy a sound4 and 5 year olds · about 8 minutes

You need: nothing at all.

  1. Say "I spy something that starts with /b/" (say the sound, not the letter name).
  2. Let your child guess: a ball? a book?
  3. Swap: let them spy something for you.
  4. Try ending sounds when beginnings get easy.

Builds: language and talking and thinking and problem solving. Hearing the first sound in a word is a key step on the way to reading.

parent.peabody.kids/play/i-spy-a-sound · Free, no ads

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