Phonics Fun: Identify and Match Letters Worksheet
Matching a picture to the letter that starts its name requires children ages 4-5 to isolate the very first sound in a spoken word, a phonics skill called initial sound identification that directly predicts later reading success. This worksheet turns that listening skill into a visual matching task, asking children to connect what they hear to a printed letter rather than just naming pictures aloud. Building this sound-to-letter link is one of the clearest early indicators that a child is ready to start sounding out simple words.
Part of the pack
Month 5: Preschool Subjects and Play | Ages Up to 4Curriculum
How to use this worksheet
Point to the first picture and say its name slowly and clearly, stretching out the beginning sound, such as 'mmm-oon' for moon. Ask your child to repeat the word and identify which sound they hear first. Have them scan the letters at the bottom of the page to find the one that matches that beginning sound, then draw a line connecting the picture to the correct letter. Work through the remaining pictures the same way, letting your child say each word independently before matching it.
Materials needed
- Pencil
- Eraser
Extension activities
- •Search the house for objects that start with the same letter sounds as the worksheet pictures and make a list together.
- •Play an 'I hear it first' game: say three words and have your child identify the one that starts differently.
- •Draw a new picture of something with a beginning sound you choose and have your child write the matching letter.
- •Sort a pile of small toys or picture cards by their beginning sound into labeled groups.
- •Read a short picture book and pause to ask what sound the first word on each page starts with.
Tips for parents and teachers
If your child names the picture correctly but struggles to isolate the beginning sound, exaggerate that first sound even more when you say the word together — this extra emphasis is often what's missing. Letter sounds are harder for some children to hear than others, especially soft consonants, so be patient and repeat words as many times as needed. Celebrate correct matches enthusiastically, since connecting sound to symbol is one of the biggest leaps in early literacy.
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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