Vowel 'a'

After learning the sounds of consonant-vowel combination, the next step is to learn the vowel-consonant combination. We shall begin with vowel 'a'.

'a' can be combined with several consonants as d, g, m, n, p, r, s, t, and y.

To start with, make small flash cards and write these combination on them.

• a + d = ad (as in bad)
• a + g = ag (as in bag)
• a + m = am (as in dam)
• a + n = an (as in ban)
• a + p = ap (as in cap)
• a + s = as (as in has)
• a + t = at (as in bat)
• a + y = ay (as in bay)

After writing each of these combination on separate flash cards, sit with your child and explain him how to blend these two different letter sounds to make one single sound. Start with putting your finger on 'a' and then say the /a/ sound and then slowly slide it to 'd' and say the /d/ sound and then finally slide it to 'ad' and say the /ad/ sound. Repeat this several times and encourage your child to do the same.

After you feel your child is through with these alphabet combination, jumble the cards and ask your child to read them.

Next week, we shall learn combination with vowel 'e'.

Have a nice weekend.