Sorting through objects appeals to visual and auditory learning styles. Set out a variety of objects beginning with or containing a specific letter sound. Instruct children to sort the objects into piles of items that contain matching sounds. For example, a child may sort a toy cat, a plastic cucumber and a toy car into a pile. As children sort through the items, encourage them to names them aloud so they can hear the letter sounds, providing an auditory experience. Seeing and handling the items containing the specific letter sounds helps children link the sounds the letters make to particular objects.
Encourage children to create art projects using items containing specific sounds to appeal to the visual and kinesthetic learning styles. For example, offer children clay and instruct them to mold the clay into a snake and then have them form the snake into the shape of an "S." While engaging in the project, verbalize the sounds the letter makes, as well as the name of the object being made so that learners link the sound of the letter to the object they are creating.
Use props while reciting songs and poems to teach phonics. For example, you could sing this song to teach the letter "B," which is sung to the tune of "Jingle Bells:"
Bouncing balls,
Bouncing balls,
Bounce them all day long.
Bounce them high,
Bounce them low,
Bounce them in between.
Bouncing balls,
Bouncing balls,
Bounce them all day long.
While singing the song, provide children with balls that they can actually bounce.
Send children on a hunt to find objects that contain specific letter sounds. Review the sound a letter makes and instruct children to search around the room for items beginning with that letter. Place specific items around the space for children to find or simply allow them to look for any item in the room. For example, review the sound the letter "H" and place hats, hearts and plush hedgehogs around the room. After children find the objects, invite them to share the items to further review the letter sounds.