Alphabet Sounds Teaching Tubs
These tubs are useful for teaching letter-sound recognition, identifying beginning sounds, and sorting objects by their initial sounds.
One simple activity is to empty the objects from several tubs and have students sort them back into the correct containers.
Another favorite activity is the Magic Sound Game.
The Magic Sound Game
This game helps children recognize the sounds associated with letters.
Introducing the Magic Sound
- Show students one of the alphabet tubs.
- Make the sound associated with the letter. For example, /f/.
- Have the class repeat the sound with you.
- Ask if anyone knows which letter makes that sound.
- Explain that today’s magic sound is /f/.
How to Play:
Have all the children sit up straight with their hands in their laps and gently close their eyes.
Explain that the magic sound is the only sound that can make their eyes pop open!
Students should close their eyes naturally without squinting or covering them. This makes it easy to observe who is recognizing the target sound.
Sample Game Dialogue
Teacher: “/m/, /m/, /m/ is the sound of…”
Students: “M!”
This also provides an opportunity to review letters that students may be having difficulty recognizing.
Teacher: “/s/, /s/, /s/ is the sound of…”
Students: “S or C!”
Continue calling out different letter sounds.
Vary the number of sounds you say each time so students never know when the magic sound will appear.
Finally, say the target sound.
Teacher: “/f/, /f/, /f/ is the sound of…”
By now, the students’ eyes should be open!
Students: “Magic!”
Have everyone repeat the /f/ sound together.
Identifying Beginning Sounds
After playing the Magic Sound Game, take an object from the selected alphabet tub.
Show the object to the class and say:
“Name this object that begins with /f/.”
Students identify the object using the correct beginning sound.
If they give an incorrect name, remind them that the word must begin with the magic sound.
For example, the Y tub contains a yacht. Students often call it a “boat” because many are unfamiliar with the word yacht.
Explain the correct vocabulary word and emphasize its beginning sound.
Place the object on an easel and continue until all six objects from the tub have been identified.
Reviewing the Objects
As you return each object to its tub, have students say its name again.
This repetition helps students remember the vocabulary associated with the objects, making it easier for them to work independently or with partners during future sorting activities.
Using the Word Labels
The names of the six objects are printed inside each tub’s lid.
Students can use these labels to practice recognizing and reading the words.
The labels are also helpful for teachers when checking the containers to make sure all six objects have been returned.
Independent Alphabet Sorting Center
After students become familiar with the teaching tubs, place several tubs at a literacy center.
Have students:
- Empty the objects from two or more tubs.
- Identify each object by name.
- Listen for the beginning sound.
- Sort the objects into the correct alphabet tubs.
- Use the word labels inside the lids to check their work.
Students can complete this activity independently or with a partner.
