List of Words With X | ABC’s Made Easy
Interested in expanding your child’s vocabulary? X is a great letter to start with!
As a teacher, difficult letters are one of my favorite challenges to introduce to students. While the common short vowels and consonants are easy to remember, focusing on trickier letters (typically at the end of the alphabet) are a great way to strengthen comprehension skills.
Are you new here? Welcome! I’m Miss Beth the founder of Big City Readers - a different kind of early childhood development. Children need flexibility and fun to dig in and grow as readers. I believe not all children learn from sitting at a desk, and it is my job as an educator to find the best solution for them. I use the 5 building blocks of early literacy: read, write, sing, talk, and play in addition to the Orton Gillingham method which utilizes the three learning pathways through which children learn—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
So, let’s break down why more difficult letters are important to teach to your child, plus a ton of strategies to help make X an easier introduction into your family’s daily life.
Why is teaching uncommon letters important?
Teaching your child the letter X, along with other uncommon letters, is essential for their language development. While letters like A, B, and C are easy to introduce because they appear frequently in everyday language, letters like X can be overlooked. However, learning these less common letters can benefit your child in several ways.
First, it expands their vocabulary. By learning words that start with X, children get exposed to new concepts and ideas that are not typically familiar.
Second, it enhances their cognitive development. Tackling the more challenging letters can help improve problem-solving skills and boost confidence. When children master a difficult concept, they feel a sense of achievement that can motivate them to take on new challenges.
Finally, it prepares them for more advanced reading and writing. As children grow, they will encounter a wider range of vocabulary in books and other media. Having a solid understanding of all the letters, including X, sets a strong foundation for future learning.
X isn’t for xylophone. Hear me out!
When we are teaching kids to read, we always remind them that the letter (and sound) X typically is found at the end of the word. The sound they will hear is “ks” as in “box” or “fox”.
More difficult letters (especially X) can be tricky at first for your child to say, so here are fun strategies that make it easier to grasp:
Sound It Out: Explain that the letter X usually sounds like “ks,” as in “box” or “fox.” Practice these sounds together until your child becomes comfortable with them. Emphasize the “ks” sound in these words and help them differentiate it from other sounds.
Word Lists: Create a list of easy X words like “box,” “fix,” and “mix.” Go through these words with your child, breaking them down into their individual sounds. Repetition is a great way to help with pronunciation, so looking at these words will reinforce their learning.
Games: What child doesn’t like games? Add phonics games into your child's routine where they have to identify words containing the X sound. For example, say a word and ask them if it includes the “ks” sound. Games like these make learning interactive and fun, helping them remember the pronunciation.
Songs and Rhymes: Use simple songs and rhymes that emphasize the letter X. There are many available online that focus on this sound, and singing along can make the learning process really enjoyable. Rhythms and melodies help reinforce the sound in a memorable way.
Any parent knows that if their child doesn’t want to do something, it’s almost impossible to make it happen. So, the best way to introduce new learning is by making it fun and engaging. This way, you can keep their attention - at least for a few minutes at a time.
Here are some activities that can help introduce the letter X in an enjoyable way:
X Marks the Spot: Create a treasure hunt where X marks the spot. Use a simple map and hide small treasures or treats around the house or yard. Each spot should have an X to mark the hidden item. This activity not only teaches the letter X but also enhances their problem-solving skills.
Crafting X Shapes: Use craft sticks, straws, or even spaghetti to form the letter X. You can also make X shapes with playdough. This hands-on activity helps children recognize the letter by creating it themselves.
Alphabet Bingo: Create a bingo game with letters, including several Xs. When an X is called out, your child has to identify it on their card. This reinforces letter recognition in a fun, more active way.
Children’s books about the letter X.
Yes! Reading books as a family is one of the best ways to introduce learning more difficult concepts (such as tricky letters) in a relaxed and fun way. Plus, as a parent you lead by example to show how the entire family can enjoy reading together.
I’ve seen it all when it comes to children’s books, so I take my recommendations seriously. Here are some engaging stories with the letter X:
"Fox in Socks" by Dr. Seuss: This book is a fun tongue-twister that includes lots of words with X, like “Knox” and “socks.” It’s engaging and encourages children to listen closely and recognize the letter.
"Alphabet Adventure" by Audrey Wood: This story involves all the letters of the alphabet, with each letter having its own little adventure. The letter X is highlighted along with the others, making it a part of the broader learning experience.
"A Pig, A Fox, and Stinky Socks" by Jonathan Fenske: This playful book features a pig and a fox dealing with some stinky socks. It's a fun read that includes several words with X, like “fox,” and helps children see the letter X in a lively and engaging context.
List of Words With X:
I’ve broken this list down into common and uncommon words so you have a variety of options to use throughout the day in your family’s routine. Don’t underestimate your child and focus only on common words - uncommon words can resonate just as much!
Common Words
X-ray: A special image that shows what’s inside our bodies.
Box: A container used to hold things.
Fox: A small, wild animal known for its bushy tail and sharp nose.
Fix: To repair something that’s broken.
Mix: To combine different things together.
Wax: A substance used to make candles or polish things.
Text: Written words, such as those in a book or message.
Next: The one that comes immediately after another.
Uncommon Words
Axle: A rod that helps wheels turn on vehicles.
Pixel: A tiny dot that makes up an image on a screen.
Expression: A way of showing feelings or ideas, like through facial expressions or words.
Xylophone: A musical instrument with bars that you hit to make a sound.
You can teach your child their letter sounds — and I can help make it easy & fun!
Grab our new guide — full of Miss Beth-approved worksheets, activities, video tutorials, tips, and more — to help your child learn their ABCs and grow strong reading muscles. This includes 80+ pages of letter activities, downloads, and expert tips in research-backed reading strategies and social-emotional development. And the best part? It’s FUN!
Difficult letters are a great stepping stone.
Difficult letters like X are key to expanding your child’s language skills and boosting their confidence in reading and writing. While X may not feel like a natural letter to incorporate at first, test out these strategies with your child and see what resonates to make learning fun.
Do you have any questions on how to introduce more difficult letters into your child’s vocabulary? Please let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest learning tools for your child, check out my recent posts:
