Here is a Sound Game you can play any time you have a few free moments together:

"It begins with __, and _____________.”

Here is how this Sound Game works:

1. Think of a word that begins with a two-consonant “blend”.

2. Say the blend sounds that your word begins with. — For example, "It begins with br …."

3. Give a clue (hint) to help the other player/s to guess your word. — For example, "...and it is the color of your mommy's eyes."

Now it's time for the other player/s to guess your word! ["Brown!"]

Take turns giving the sound and clue. Be sure to wait for both parts before guessing aloud, because the clue may give you a word that is different from the one that first comes to your mind!

[Note: This game is also good for practicing “impulse control”!]

Here is a list of some beginning "blend" sounds, with example words:

Variations on the “It Begins With” Sound Game:

For a “beginner,” a way to play this "It begins with" Game can be to think of words that begin with any initial consonant, with its clue.

Your family may come up with more ways to play the game, for variety, fun and new challenges. For instance, you might try to choose the words in alphabetical order! Or, add another rule to the game, like making the word to guess be something you can see at the moment, or some other specific category, like Nature or Sports.

For an extra challenge, you may want to try having the blend [or consonant] to listen for be at the end of your word, for example:

"It ends with __nd, and it is a word for moving air." [wind]

For more advanced players, this game can also be played at home as an oral spelling bee, or with writing, like a spelling quiz. In this case, it usually works best if the player giving the clues also writes the word, and then all the written words can be visually compared.

NOTE: In cases of different opinions about correct spelling, the dictionary has the deciding vote!

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