Letter S Phonics Worksheet — the /s/ sound
The letter S makes the hissing /s/ sound you hear at the start of Sun, Snake and Sock. It is a long stretchy sound made by putting your teeth close together and pushing air through, "ssss", just like a snake. Because you can hold it for a long time, it is one of the best sounds for early phonics practice, "ssss-un".
This worksheet helps children aged 2 to 7 trace the letter S, say its /s/ sound and match it to bright pictures like a Star, some Sand and a shiny Spoon. Wiggling a hand like a slithering Snake while hissing "ssss" makes the sound fun and unforgettable.
Stretchy sounds like /s/ are wonderful for beginners because they make it easy to hear how a word starts and how sounds blend together. S is also a very common first letter, so mastering it opens up many words. Hearing /s/ at the start of Sun, Snake and Sock trains the ear for beginning sounds. Keep it playful, and cheer every smooth "s" your little one hisses.
Free for home and classroom use. The preview shows a sample of the printable worksheet.
Little Lotus Learning
Name: ____________
Sample preview
What your child will learn
- Recognising the hissing /s/ sound by ear
- Hearing beginning sounds in words
- Matching the /s/ sound to the letter S
- Learning that some sounds can be held
How parents can use this worksheet
- Hiss "ssss" like a Snake with teeth close together.
- Find /s/ things like a Sock, Star or Spoon.
- Hold the sound and see how long it lasts.
- Trace the curvy snake shape of the letter S.
Words that begin with the /s/ sound
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is a common, stretchy sound that is easy to hear and hold, which makes it perfect for practising how words begin.
A gentle lisp is common in young children. Model a clear "ssss" with teeth close together, and it usually improves with time.
Yes. Once your child knows /s/ and a vowel, try "sat" or "sun" to show how holding the sound helps sounds join up.
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