Memorize the alphabet. Before you can teach letter sounds, the student must first memorize the 26 letters of the English alphabet. Sing a song, review flash cards or hang an alphabet chart on the wall to help teach each letter. Students should learn the name of each letter and the order in which it appears in the alphabet.
Start small. Teach reading short vowel sounds and gradually increase to reading consonants and groups of letters. Realize that learning to read letter sounds will take time, dedication and practice, so don't become angry or frustrated if your student learns at a slower pace than you had hoped.
Play phonics games. Play online games that center on the alphabet and each letter sound thoroughly. Online games are designed for early readers but even adults will learn letter sounds quickly and proficiently through frequent play. As your student clicks a letter or completes an activity about the letter, they will hear the letter's sound pronounced. Some games feature catchy songs or tunes to help students remember the letter sounds.
Review phonics flash cards online. Many students find that online flash cards are more convenient and interesting than carrying around a stack of index cards. The primary benefit of using online flash cards is that letters and letter sounds will be pronounced as they are read. Review flash cards with you student to memorize letters and their accompanying sounds.
Listen to audio. Select a phonics audio CD that features phonics-based music or choose an audio book and follow along with the student. Audio books offer the added advantage of presenting letter sounds in a variety of words.