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D.2 Segmenting sounds

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Understanding Segmenting Sounds

Segmenting is the process of breaking a word into its individual sounds. We listen carefully and separate each sound to hear how the word is built.

Examples:
  • dogd - o - g
  • suns - u - n
  • mapm - a - p
Helpful Hint

Say the whole word first, then repeat it slowly while pulling the sounds apart one at a time.

Segmenting Beginning, Middle, and Ending Sounds

Each word has a beginning sound, a middle sound, and an ending sound. Breaking them apart helps us hear all the parts of the word clearly.

Examples:
  • catc (beginning) - a (middle) - t (ending)
  • pinp (beginning) - i (middle) - n (ending)
  • hath (beginning) - a (middle) - t (ending)
Helpful Hint

Tap one finger for the beginning, middle, and ending sounds as you say them aloud.

Segmenting Short Words

Some words have only two or three sounds. These short words are good for practice because we can hear each part more clearly.

Examples:
  • upu - p
  • iti - t
  • redr - e - d
Helpful Hint

Clap or move a block for each sound you hear to keep track of all the parts of the word.

Segmenting Sounds in Sentences

When we read or listen to sentences, we can break down the words into sounds. This helps us notice how words are built and improves reading fluency.

Examples:
  • The cat ran. → cat → c - a - t
  • Mom got a hat. → hat → h - a - t
  • Sam sat up. → up → u - p
Helpful Hint

Listen for one word in the sentence, then segment its sounds before blending the sentence back together.