List of Words With S: ABCs Made Easy
Want to expand your child’s vocabulary? Look no further than the letter S!
For as long as I’ve worked with children and families, I have enjoyed the challenge of introducing foundational letters in fresh, creative ways. While some letters, like vowels, are easier to start with, the letter S stands out as a consonant found in countless words, making it a powerful way to boost your child’s confidence and expand their vocabulary.
Are you new here? Welcome to Big City Readers! I’m Miss Beth, the creator of a learning program designed to make early literacy both fun and accessible for every child. I know that children thrive with flexibility and a mix of activities, which is why I use the five building blocks of early literacy—reading, writing, singing, talking, and playing—alongside the Orton-Gillingham method. This approach helps children learn through a combination of visual, auditory, and hands-on experiences.
Today, let’s explore the magic of the letter S and work through practical tips to make learning this letter a fun and engaging journey for the whole family!
Teaching Both Vowels And Consonants (Like S) Matters! Here’s Why…
When teaching your child the alphabet, balancing consonants and vowels is important. So often, I see parents focusing exclusively on vowels—which is great for your child’s development, but overlooks most of the alphabet! While vowels are foundational for building basic word structures, consonants like the letter S offer unique opportunities to enhance your child’s language skills.
Here are some of the reasons why I recommend teaching both together:
Boosts Vocabulary: The letter S is a versatile consonant found in many everyday words. Teaching S helps children expand their vocabulary by introducing both common and less familiar terms.
Encourages Phonemic Awareness: Consonants like S often require children to distinguish between similar sounds (e.g., “s” vs. “sh”), sharpening their ability to hear and produce different phonemes.
Builds Confidence: Because S appears in high-frequency words like “see,” “say,” and “sun,” mastering this letter can give your child an early sense of achievement.
If you’re curious to learn more about how phonemic awareness is the foundation for your child’s reading, check out my post: Phonological Awareness vs Phonics: What Is The Difference?
Tips for Helping Your Child Master the Letter S
Before diving into reading or spelling with the letter S, it’s essential to help your child hear and say the sound correctly. The “sss” sound is continuous and can be fun for kids to practice.
Here are some tips to make learning the letter S easier:
Break Down the Sound: Explain that S makes a “hissing” sound, like a snake. Practice this sound together using simple words like “sit” or “sun.”
Word Practice: Start with easy S words, such as “sand,” “sock,” and “sing.” Break the words into individual sounds and repeat them together.
Play Sound Games: Say a word aloud and ask your child to identify if it begins with the “sss” sound. This game makes learning interactive and exciting.
Songs and Rhymes: Sing songs or rhymes featuring S words, like “She Sells Seashells.” Adding rhythm and melody to learning makes it more memorable.
How to Make Learning S Fun
The best way to teach children letters (and anything for that matter) is through engaging and interactive ways. By incorporating playful activities into letter practice, you can help your child connect with the letter S in an enjoyable way that sparks their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
Here are some creative ideas:
Sand Art: Create a sensory experience by forming the letter S in sand or salt trays. Your child can trace the letter with their finger or a small stick.
Scavenger Hunt: Go on a hunt to find objects around the house or outside that start with S, such as a sock, spoon, or stone.
Alphabet Relay: Write letters on cards and scatter them around the room. Call out “S,” and your child has to find and bring back the correct card.
Snake Craft: Make a snake craft with paper or clay and shape it into an S. This reinforces the sound and shape of the letter.
Are There Any Books That Focus on the Letter S?
Books are an excellent way to introduce new letters and sounds in an enjoyable and low-pressure way. Stories that feature the letter S can help your child recognize it in different contexts.
Here are a few recommendations for books with the letter S:
“Q is for Duck: An Alphabet Guessing Game” by Michael Folsom: This is no ordinary alphabet book. Why is “Q” for “Duck”? Because a duck quacks, of course. Even the youngest readers will delight in the riddle-like text and lively, humorous illustrations. Now in vivid full color for the first time, this interactive treat is sure to be enjoyed by a whole new generation of readers.
“I See Summer” by Charles Ghigna: From lemonade in the shade to picnics in the park, summer is all around us. Spot the letter S all over this book!
“Slow Snail” by Mary Murphy: Snail is soooo slow! It takes her all day to slide down her flower, through a boot, under a stick, along a bottle, and in and out of a brick, trailing silver all the way. But when she finally arrives at her vegetable bed, it’s worth it — she’s just in time for dinner!
List of Words With S to Practice
Here’s a list of S words for daily practice. These are divided into simple, common words and a few that are less familiar to challenge your child’s growing vocabulary:
Common Words
Sun: A bright star that gives us light and warmth.
Sit: To take a seat.
Sock: Something we wear on our feet.
Sand: Tiny grains found at the beach.
Snow: Frozen water that falls from the sky.
Stop: To pause or end an action.
Smile: A happy expression.
Star: A glowing object in the night sky.
Uncommon Words
Swan: A large, graceful water bird.
Sage: A fragrant herb often used in cooking.
Sphinx: A mythical creature.
Sphere: A perfectly round 3D shape, like a ball.
Symphony: A musical composition for an orchestra.
You Can Teach Your Child Their Letter Sounds…And I Can Help Make It Easy & Fun!
My new guide, The Complete Guide To The ABCs, is 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 grounded in research-backed reading strategies and social-emotional development. And the best part? It’s FUN!
Building a Foundation with Letters Like S
Teaching the letter S is a great step in expanding your child’s vocabulary and phonics skills. By incorporating books, games, and creative activities, you can make learning this versatile consonant an enjoyable and memorable experience. Most importantly, remember this experience should be fun, so take your time to teach individual letters with care and practice.
Do you have any questions about teaching consonants like S or tips of your own to share? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to check out my latest posts for more ideas to support your child’s early literacy journey here:
