🔍 Detailed Explanation of the Topic: Identify the First, Second, and Last Sound in a Word

When we learn to read and spell, it is important to listen carefully to the sounds in words. These sounds are called phonics. Today, we will learn how to find the first, second, and last sound in a word.

🎯 What is the First Sound?

The first sound in a word is the sound you hear at the very beginning. For example, in the word cat, the first sound is /c/. Can you say cat? Listen carefully: /c/ – /a/ – /t/. The first sound is /c/.

🎯 What is the Second Sound?

The second sound is the one that comes right after the first sound. In cat, the second sound is /a/. Say the word again: /c/ – /a/ – /t/. The second sound is /a/.

🎯 What is the Last Sound?

The last sound is the sound you hear at the end of the word. In cat, the last sound is /t/. When you say cat, listen carefully to the last sound: /t/.

✨ Why is it Important to Recognise These Sounds?

Knowing the first, second, and last sounds in words helps you to:

  • Read new words: You can sound out each part to help you read.
  • Spell words correctly: When you hear the sounds, you know which letters to write.
  • Understand how words work: This helps you to become a better reader and writer.

🎉 Fun Ways to Find Sounds

  • Say a word slowly and listen for each sound.
  • Use your finger to tap once for each sound you hear.
  • Play games where you say a word and your friend tells the first, second, or last sound.

📝 Examples to Try

Let’s find the sounds in these words:

  • dog
    First sound: /d/
    Second sound: /o/
    Last sound: /g/
  • sun
    First sound: /s/
    Second sound: /u/
    Last sound: /n/

Remember, practicing these sounds every day will help you get better at reading and spelling. Keep listening carefully and have fun with phonics!

📝 20 Examination-Style Phonics Questions with Answers for Year 1

Here are 20 phonics questions to help Year 1 students practise identifying the first, second, and last sounds in words. Each question focuses on hearing sounds clearly, which is an important skill in KS1 phonics learning.

❓ Questions

  1. What is the first sound in the word cat?
  2. What is the second sound in the word dog?
  3. What is the last sound in the word fish?
  4. What is the first sound in the word sun?
  5. What is the second sound in the word pen?
  6. What is the last sound in the word hat?
  7. What is the first sound in the word red?
  8. What is the second sound in the word box?
  9. What is the last sound in the word jump?
  10. What is the first sound in the word pig?
  11. What is the second sound in the word bed?
  12. What is the last sound in the word duck?
  13. What is the first sound in the word log?
  14. What is the second sound in the word fish?
  15. What is the last sound in the word run?
  16. What is the first sound in the word top?
  17. What is the second sound in the word cat?
  18. What is the last sound in the word mat?
  19. What is the first sound in the word jet?
  20. What is the last sound in the word zip?

✅ Answers

  1. The first sound in cat is /c/
  2. The second sound in dog is /o/
  3. The last sound in fish is /sh/
  4. The first sound in sun is /s/
  5. The second sound in pen is /e/
  6. The last sound in hat is /t/
  7. The first sound in red is /r/
  8. The second sound in box is /o/
  9. The last sound in jump is /p/
  10. The first sound in pig is /p/
  11. The second sound in bed is /e/
  12. The last sound in duck is /k/
  13. The first sound in log is /l/
  14. The second sound in fish is /i/
  15. The last sound in run is /n/
  16. The first sound in top is /t/
  17. The second sound in cat is /a/
  18. The last sound in mat is /t/
  19. The first sound in jet is /j/
  20. The last sound in zip is /p/

Practising these questions will help you hear and say the sounds in words clearly, making your phonics learning strong and fun! 🎉