Phonics

......'s mommy/daddy has a box

Turn a box or bag on its side with the opening facing away from the children and towards you.

One by one, place between four and six familiar noisy items (e.g. a set of keys, crisp packet, squeaky toy) into the box, pausing to name them and demonstrate the sound each one makes.

Sing to the tune of ‘Old MacDonald’ but using your own name or one of the children’s:

…'s mommy/daddy has a box, ee i ee i o

And in that box s/he has a… Stop. Gesture and ask the children to listen.

Handle one of the objects in the box, out of sight, to make a noise.

The children take it in turns to guess what is making the sound.

Continue the song but imitating the sound using your voice. (Say squeak or rattle etc.)

With a .......... here and a ........... there…

Allow the children to take a turn at making a noise from inside the box and use their names as you sing.

Listening Game - Phase 1 Phonics - Listening and Attention Skills

This is a great game to play to encourage your child to stop and listen. They will develop their listening and attention skills. Here are some sounds from the book 'The Gruffalo' so if you have it at home, you could read it along side. If not, there is a link to a video at the bottom of the page.

Phonics

Listening Game - Phase 1 Phonics - Listening and Attention Skills

The Gruffalo - Read by Alan Mandel