What is Blending?
Blending is a strategy used to help children break down words. To blend words together, children use the sounds that match the letter to “sound out” the word. When blending, children are focusing on individual sounds and combining those sounds to make a word.
EXAMPLE
For children to begin blending, they must first know the alphabet and be able to recognize letters and the matching sounds. First, go through the alphabet, making sure the child(ren) can match the letter’s name with a visual of the letter.
Alphabet cards are great for this!
Next, start to make the connection of sound to letter.
Doing activities like saying, “a” (then say the sound for “a”), is for “apple” can help children connect the letter’s sound to the letter (make sure the child repeats the letter and sound).