Free Beginning Sounds Worksheet (Printable)
Before a child can sound out a word, they need to hear its first sound and connect it to a letter. This free printable uses 14 characters straight from our storybooks — say the picture's name out loud, then circle the letter it starts with. No reading required, just listening and looking.
3 pages, 14 pictures total — say the name, circle the beginning letter.
No sign-up required. Free to print and use at home or in the classroom.
How to Use It
Point to each picture and say its name together out loud (the word is printed small underneath if you need a reminder). Stretch out the first sound — "b-b-b-bear" — and ask your child which of the three letters makes that sound. Have them circle it. A few of the rows deliberately pair easily confused letters, like b and d, so keep an eye out for those and slow down if your child hesitates. This is a listening skill, not a reading skill, so there's no wrong way to help them get there.
Meet the Characters
Every picture on this worksheet is a character from one of our free readers. Once your child can name the letter, keep going with the story it comes from:
Browse all free readers →
Little Readers Nook — free decodable readers and printables that make learning to read feel like play.