One of the first steps to help a child learn to read us by teaching them the sounds of letter.  Many parents and teachers want to support their children from the beginning, but they often feel confused about which sound to teach first and which sound should come after that. Some people think that teaching letter sounds in A to Z order is one of the best ideas, but that actually makes reading harder. Children learn much better when sounds are introduced in a simple and planned way that helps them blend small words from the start as well.

Here below, you will get proper explanation in very easy and clear language how to teach letter sounds step by step. I will share why this order is helpful, how it makes learning smooth and how phonic books can support children during this journey also. I will also add simple tips, a table and FAQs that parents and teachers both can use at home or even in the classroom.

Why Not Teach Sounds from A to Z?

Most adults learned the alphabet first, so it feels normal to teach children in the same order. But alphabet order does not help children read early words. Reading becomes easier only when children learn sounds that they can put together to form short and common words like sat, pin, tap, cat, or dog. When we choose the right sounds from the start only, so children can also start reading sooner. This makes them feel really happy, confident, and excited to learn more.

Children learn better when the sounds are simple to say, to write, can be used to form many small words, support easy blending of words and are common in daily vocabulary as well.

Because when the learning feels easy and stress-free, children enjoy reading practice every day.

Read More: What can I use Daily to Support my Child’s Early Learning Routine?

The Best Order to Teach Letter Sounds

Here we have the most popular and most effective order that is also used in many schools. This order is very child-friendly and can help the children build reading skills step by step.

1. Group 1 Sounds: s, a, t, p, i, n

These six sounds given here can help the children in reading many small words right away.
Words like sat, tap, tin, pin, sip, nap, and pat are very simple and they can help children feel confident and proud.

2. Group 2 Sounds: m, d, g, o, c, k

Once children are able to blend the first group, then you can slowly move to the second group here. Words like dog, can, kid, got, cat, and dig then become a little easier to read.

3. Group 3 Sounds: e, h, r, b, f, l

This group creates more beginner-friendly words.
Children can read red, hen, lab, fan, and leg without difficulty.

4. Group 4 Sounds: j, v, w, x

These sounds are less common, but they are still important.
With these, children can read jet, van, wax, mix, and win.

5. Group 5 Sounds: y, z, qu

These are also not very common in early words, but they are still needed.
Children can read yak, zip, and quiz.

6. Group 6 Sounds (Digraphs): sh, ch, th, wh, ng

After children know enough single sounds, you can teach these double-letter sounds.
They help in reading words like ship, chat, this, wing, and when.

Easy Table to Understand the Order

This table makes the order simple for both parents and teachers.

Why This Order Works So Well

This sound order works because:

• Children read early.
  With the first group alone, they can read many words.

• It avoids confusion.
  The sounds are easy to say and understand.

• Blending becomes simple.
  Children learn to join sounds naturally.

• Their confidence grows.
  Early reading success motivates them.

• Writing becomes easier.
  The early sounds are simple to trace.

This is why many schools prefer this teaching pattern.

How Phonics Books Support Easy Learning

If you want a study material that follows both the correct order and is friendly for kids, phonics books are a really great choice. Phonics books for kids, phonics reading books, and phonics sound book sets are made in a way specially to help the beginners learn slowly, clearly, and happily.

Here is why parents and teachers trust them:

• They follow the correct sequence

• Each sound has clear examples and pictures

• Writing and tracing practice is included

• Activities are fun and simple

• Blending tasks are available

• Words match a child’s level

• The layout is clean and easy to use

These books truly reduce pressure and make learning joyful.

Simple Tips that parents and teachers can follow

Here are easy tips to keep learning smoothly without any confusion:

1. Teach one or two sounds at a time.

2. Use hand actions or small stories.

3. Start blending as soon as possible.

4. Add games, cards, and objects.

5. Keep sessions short and light.

6. Practice a little every day.

7. Repeat sounds slowly and gently without rushing too much.

10-Day Simple Teaching Plan

Children can start reading small words within 10 days using this plan.

Conclusion

All in all, the whole blog here tells you that teaching sounds of letters to children becomes really easy when we do follow the right order. Starting with these simple sounds can also help children read quickly and feel confident about themselves. With a little patience, easy practice, and helpful tools like phonics books, every child can also enjoy reading from an early age.

FAQs

1. Should I teach letter names first or sounds first?

You should teach sounds first because these sounds are used in readings.

2. When should digraphs be introduced?

After children know at least 18–20 simple sounds.

3. How long should I teach each sound?

Teach one sound a day but revise it for a few days.

4. What if my child forgets sounds?

Use phonics books, flashcards, and small reading tasks.

5. What is the best age to start?

Most children can begin around 3.5 to 4 years.