Letter Z Phonics Worksheet — the /z/ sound
The letter Z makes the buzzing /z/ sound you hear at the start of Zebra, Zoo and Zip. It is made just like /s/, with your teeth close together, but this time you switch on your voice so it buzzes like a busy bee, "zzzz". Place a hand on your throat to feel the vibration that makes /z/ different from the hissing /s/.
This worksheet helps children aged 2 to 7 trace the letter Z, say its /z/ sound and match it to fun pictures like a Zigzag line, the number Zero and a stripy Zebra. Buzzing around the room like a bee while saying "zzzz" turns the sound into a joyful game.
Because /z/ and /s/ are made in the same place, it really helps to practise them together so children feel the buzz that makes /z/ special. The sound can be stretched, which makes it good for hearing how words begin. Spotting /z/ at the start of Zebra, Zoo and Zip trains the ear for beginning sounds, the foundation of reading. Keep it playful, and cheer every buzzy "z" your little one makes.
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 buzzing /z/ sound by ear
- Hearing beginning sounds in words
- Matching the /z/ sound to the letter Z
- Telling /z/ and /s/ sounds apart
How parents can use this worksheet
- Buzz like a bee, "zzzz", with a hand on your throat.
- Find /z/ things like a Zip, the Zoo or a Zebra.
- Compare /s/ and /z/ to feel the buzz difference.
- Trace the zigzag lines of the letter Z.
Words that begin with the /z/ sound
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View WorksheetFrequently Asked Questions
They are made the same way, but /z/ buzzes with voice while /s/ hisses with just air. Feel your throat to spot the buzz.
Yes, /z/ is a buzzy sound you can hold. Stretching "zzzz" helps your child hear how words begin.
It is one of the rarer ones, so fun words like Zebra and Zoo, plus a buzzing bee action, help your child remember it.
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