Stage 2 of 5 · Letter Sounds

Start here: letter sounds.

Your child is at the right starting point.

Letter sounds are the foundation for everything that comes next: blending, reading words, and eventually reading books. The goal right now is not to rush through the alphabet. It is to help your child learn the most useful sounds clearly and confidently, in a way they can use when reading.

How reading gets built

The reading path, and where your child is now.

Talking and Hearing Sounds

Speaking, listening, and hearing the sounds inside words.

Learning Letter Sounds

You Are Here

The stage to focus on now.

Blending Words

Putting sounds together to read words.

Advanced Reading Skills

Letter patterns and trickier words.

Reading Fluently

Reading smoothly, and understanding what they read.

You do not need to do everything at once. The best next step is to help your child master a small set of high-value letter sounds first.

Your next steps

The simple plan I recommend.

Yours to use, free.

1

Teach the sounds clearly

Say the sound, not the letter name. Say /m/, not "em," so your child can use it when reading words.

2

Practice a small set at a time

You do not need all 26 at once. Start with a few useful sounds, practice them often, and build from there.

3

Keep practice quick and consistent

A few focused minutes a day is enough. Clear, consistent practice beats long lessons.

4

Use the sounds to start reading

Once your child knows a few sounds, show them how sounds come together to make words. That is when letter sounds turn into real reading.

Portrait

Meet your teacher

Hey, I'm Spencer.

I created Toddlers Can Read to help parents teach reading in a way that feels simple, doable, and research-backed. I am a former award-winning kindergarten and first grade teacher and teacher trainer, and I taught my own son to read at two. I have helped tens of thousands of families learn what to teach, what to skip, and how to know when their child is ready for the next step.

Most parents do not need more random activities. They need a clear starting point and a simple plan they can actually follow. That is what this stage is for.

Done for you

The Beginning Letter Sounds Kit was built for this stage.

Everything you need to teach letter sounds clearly, practice them consistently, and build the foundation for reading words.

Learning Letter Sounds Course

Short parent lessons that show you exactly what to teach and how.

ABC Sound Flashcards

Simple, beautiful cards that help your child connect letters with sounds.

Learning Sounds Course Handouts

Quick reference pages so you always know what to practice next.

Double-sided Whiteboard

A simple tool for practicing sounds and getting ready for blending.

Everyday price $149

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From Parents

Simple. Science-backed. Success.

“

Great quality flash cards! My 2 year old son loves trucks and any kind of equipment with wheels. He asks to do his flash cards almost every day. The illustrations are beautifully done and captivate his interest that he almost has all the sounds memorized now.

Nola W., parent of a 2-year-old

“

I would totally recommend this product for any friends. As an educator myself, who works with ESL students aged 2-3, I have even recommended it to all of my parents as a way for them to have tangible, interactive, learning with their child. My 4yo daughter completed the letter sounds in 6 weeks. My 2yo son now looks for letters in his environment and understands that letters make sounds. It was easy and responsive teaching with the two age groups. Most importantly it was fun, with my kids asking to "play the letter games" very often.

Jessica L., educator and parent

“

This course has been a game changer! We practice the “mastered” sounds daily with different activities and practice the “almost” sounds right after. My 4yr old is also creating her own games with the cards and teaching her sister who now knows sounds for S, A, T!

Rachel, parent of a 4-year-old