Stretch and Spell

To spell a word, we do the opposite of reading: we break the word into its sounds and write a letter or letters for each one.

Let's learn

1. Say the word: flag.
2. Stretch it and tap each sound: /f/ /l/ /a/ /g/.
3. Write one letter for each sound.
4. Read your word back to check it.

Watch out for

• Skipping sounds in blends, writing “fag” for flag. Tapping each sound prevents this.

Make it fit your reader

• Easier: Start with three-sound words: cat, sun, pig.
• Harder: Spell five-sound words: plant, stamp, crust.

Practice activity

• Tap and spell: tap and spell six words: hat, net, flag, drum, stop, milk.
• Sound boxes: draw boxes, one per sound, and write a letter in each.