Circle the 'cl' and 'sl' Blends Worksheet
This worksheet trains children ages 4-6 to recognize the 'cl' and 'sl' consonant blends at the start of words, an auditory discrimination skill that lays groundwork for blending sounds when reading. Because 'cl' and 'sl' sound similar, distinguishing them requires careful listening to the very first consonant in the blend, sharpening phonemic precision beyond simple beginning-sound identification. This kind of blend practice is a direct precursor to decoding longer, more complex words.
Curriculum
How to use this worksheet
Look at each picture together and say its name slowly and clearly, emphasizing the very first two sounds. Ask your child whether the word starts with 'cl' (like 'clap') or 'sl' (like 'slide'), or neither. Have them circle only the pictures whose names begin with the 'cl' or 'sl' blend, leaving the others unmarked. Once finished, go back through the circled pictures and say each word together, stretching out the blend sound.
Materials needed
- Pencil
- Crayons
Extension activities
- •Act out 'cl' and 'sl' action words together, like clapping, climbing, sliding, and slithering.
- •Make two labeled piles, 'cl' and 'sl', and sort small toys or picture cards between them.
- •Go on a blend hunt around the house for objects starting with 'cl' or 'sl'.
- •Practice saying 'cl' and 'sl' words in front of a mirror to notice how the mouth moves differently for each.
- •Create a short chant or rhyme using several 'cl' and 'sl' words your child knows.
Tips for parents and teachers
If your child confuses 'cl' and 'sl', have them watch your mouth closely as you say each blend slowly, since the tongue placement differs noticeably between the two. It's common at this age to correctly hear a blend but mislabel which one it is, so repetition matters more than getting it right the first time. Celebrate careful listening, not just correct circles.
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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