Beginning Sounds Worksheet: Fill in the Blanks!
This worksheet asks children ages 4-5 to identify the beginning sound of a pictured object and write the correct letter, then use that same skill to build new 'at' family words. Isolating and writing beginning sounds is a foundational phonics skill that bridges listening (hearing a sound) and writing (representing it with a letter) — a connection children need before they can spell independently.
Curriculum
How to use this worksheet
Look at each picture together and say the word slowly, emphasizing the very first sound. Ask your child which letter makes that sound, then have them write it in the blank space to complete the word. Once the beginning-sound section is finished, move to the 'at' word-building section, where your child writes new beginning letters onto the '-at' ending to create words like 'cat', 'hat', and 'bat'.
Materials needed
- Pencil
- Eraser
Extension activities
- •Play 'I spy' using only the beginning sound, like 'I spy something that starts with buh.'
- •Build more '-at' words together using letter tiles or magnetic letters.
- •Have your child draw a picture for each new word they build and label it.
- •Sort household objects into piles by their beginning sound.
Tips for parents and teachers
Encourage children to say the word out loud slowly before writing, since rushing to write often causes them to guess the letter rather than truly hear it. Letter reversals (like writing 'd' for 'b') are common and developmentally normal at this age — gently point them out without making a big deal of it. Celebrate each new '-at' word your child successfully builds, since word families are a powerful shortcut to reading fluency.
Written by
Hemsweta Jain · Teacher Cheena
MBA and Early Childhood Educator, teaching since 2014 · Founder of RaisoActive, Mumbai
Every RaisoActive worksheet is designed and checked by the founder before publishing.
Published · Last reviewed
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