TinyStepper
Boy in star pyjamas hugging a teddy bear on a bed with a warm lamp and picture book

I Spy First Sounds

Play 'I spy' with letter sounds instead of names — a phonics learning twist on the classic game.

Activity details

2y–4y10 minslowbothNo prep

Instructions

Get ready
  • Start with objects in clear view and sounds that are easy to stretch: 'I spy with my little eye something beginning with ssss.'
  • If your child is unsure, give a clue: 'It's sss… and you sit on it!' Point toward the sofa.
  1. Start with objects in clear view and sounds that are easy to stretch: 'I spy with my little eye something beginning with ssss.'
  2. If your child is unsure, give a clue: 'It's sss… and you sit on it!' Point toward the sofa.
  3. When they guess correctly, celebrate and exaggerate the sound: 'Yes! Ssss-ofa! Sss sss sss.'
  4. Let your child have a turn choosing an object — help them isolate the first sound if needed.
  5. Stick to continuous sounds at first (s, f, m, n, r) as they are easier to stretch than stop sounds (b, d, t).
  6. Play three or four rounds, then switch to a new location or room for fresh objects.
  7. For an extra challenge, spy two objects with the same starting sound: 'I spy TWO things beginning with buh!'
  8. End the game by finding something beginning with the first sound of your child's name: 'And the best ssss word of all is… Sam!'

Parent tip

Start before you overthink it. No-prep activities work best when you begin while the moment is still recoverable.

Relaxed child lying on a floor cushion with blanket and pinwheel in a cosy calm corner

What success looks like

A few quiet minutes together without pressure. If your child relaxes even slightly, that’s self-regulation building.

This twist on the classic game shifts from letter names to letter sounds, which is far more useful for early reading. By saying 'I spy something beginning with sss' rather than 'the letter S,' you train your child's ear to isolate the initial phoneme of words — the exact skill needed when they begin to decode written text. It requires zero materials and can be played absolutely anywhere, making it one of the most powerful literacy games in a parent's toolkit.

Why it helps

The National Literacy Trust identifies phonological awareness — the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words — as the critical foundation for learning to read. Initial phoneme isolation — hearing and identifying the first sound in a word — is a gateway phonological awareness skill. It is easier than segmenting whole words into phonemes but harder than rhyme detection, placing it perfectly in the developmental progression toward reading. Playing I Spy with sounds rather than letter names ensures children learn the phoneme-to-grapheme connection that underpins phonics, rather than just letter naming.

Variations

  • Play in the car using things you can see through the windows — this turns travel time into literacy time.
  • Use a feely bag: put objects inside, your child pulls one out and says the first sound before looking.
  • Reverse the game — you say the sound and your child has to find and bring you the object.

Safety tips

  • In busy environments, ensure your child is not running toward objects to point them out — play from a stationary position.
  • Avoid playing in the car if you are the driver — save it for when another adult is present or your child is in the back seat.
  • If your child becomes frustrated at not guessing, give generous clues early — the goal is success, not difficulty.

Want to try another?

Clapping Rhythm Copy

Get weekly activity ideas for your toddler

One email a week with practical toddler activities, behaviour tips, and developmental insights. No spam, unsubscribe any time.