Inside: Do You Hear the Letter S Sound? Printables that acts as a perfect way to start teaching your kids the sound s.
Before children learn to read words, they need to learn how to listen to sounds.
That’s where phonemic awareness activities come in.
This Do You Hear the S Sound? printable helps children listen for the Letter s sound in spoken words. They don’t need to know how to read yet. They simply look at the pictures, say the words, and decide whether they hear the S sound.
It’s a fun and simple way to build early phonics skills at home or in the classroom.
Do You Hear the Letter S Sound? PDF Printables
Here are some printables that can be great to start conversation with your child about the letter sound S. You can help them grasp the sound and improve their phonemic awareness by starting this activity with them.
Below are the printable sheets you can download. Use these printable to help children listen for and identify the S sound in everyday words.
Do you hear the Letter S Sound
Simple activity where you can point each picture and what is it and does it have letter s sound.
Letter S Sound Odd one out
Let your child find and color the odd one out – the one without the s sound – and color it.
Color the pictures with Letter S Sound
Show the picture, ask what is it, ask if they hear the s sound, and let them color if it has s sound.
I spy letter s sound
Play the I Spy game by finding letter s sound in the pictures and color or circle the ones with s sound.
What Is Phonemic Awareness?
Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and identify individual sounds in words.
For example, when a child hears the word sun, they can notice that it starts with the /s/ sound.
When they hear cat, they can tell that it does not start with the /s/ sound.
This skill may seem simple, but it is one of the most important building blocks for reading.
Children who can hear sounds in words often find it easier to learn letter sounds, blend words, and read independently later on.
Why Listening Comes Before Reading
Many parents want to jump straight into reading words.
But before children can read, they need to hear the sounds that make up words.
Think about it this way.
Before a child can read the word sun, they first need to hear that it starts with the /s/ sound.
That’s why phonics programs often include listening games and sound activities.
These activities help children:
- identify beginning sounds
- hear similarities between words
- build phonemic awareness
- prepare for reading and spelling
The good news is that children usually find these activities fun because they feel more like games than lessons.
What Is the Letter S Sound?
The letter S usually makes the /s/ sound.
It sounds like a snake:
sssssss
The S sound is one of the first sounds children learn in many phonics programs, including the SATPIN sequence.
Some words that begin with the S sound include:
- sun
- sand
- sit
- sip
- sock
Can your child hear the /s/ sound at the beginning of each word?
How to Use This Worksheet
These ‘Do you hear the sound S’ printable is designed for preschool and kindergarten children.
Step 1: Look at the Picture
Point at the picture. Ask your child to name the picture.
For example:
“What’s this?”
“Sun.”
Step 2: Say the Word Slowly
Stretch the beginning sound.
sssssun
Can your child hear the snake sound?
Step 3: Decide
If the picture begins with the S sound, color it or circle it.
If it does not begin with the S sound, leave it blank.
Step 4: Talk About It
Ask questions like:
- Does sun start with /s/?
- Does cat start with /s/?
- Which word sounds like a snake?
These simple conversations help strengthen phonemic awareness skills.
Why Children Love This Activity
This worksheet feels like a game.
Children get to:
- look at pictures
- say words aloud
- hunt for the S sound
- color and circle answers
At the same time, they’re building important pre-reading skills.
That’s a win for both kids and parents.
Related Activities
Once your child can hear the S sound, try these next:
S Sound Words With Pictures
Practice identifying common words that begin with the /s/ sound using colorful picture cards and printable word lists.
Letter S Phonics Worksheets
Explore tracing, matching, coloring, and beginning sound activities focused on the letter S.
SATPIN Activities
Ready for more phonics fun? Explore SATPIN activities that help children blend their first sounds and begin reading simple words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is phonemic awareness?
Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and identify sounds in spoken words.
Is phonemic awareness the same as phonics?
No. Phonemic awareness focuses on hearing sounds. Phonics connects those sounds to letters.
At what age should children practice phonemic awareness?
Most children begin phonemic awareness activities during preschool and kindergarten.
Why is the S sound taught early?
The S sound is easy for children to hear, say, and remember. It is also part of the commonly taught SATPIN sequence.
Can my child do this activity if they can’t read yet?
Yes. This activity focuses on listening and speaking, not reading. Children simply look at the pictures and listen for the S sound.
