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Missing First Letter: Complete the Word

❓ Missing LetterAge 4-5EasyPhonics🇺🇸 Preschool🇬🇧 Reception🇮🇳 LKG📐 RF.K.2.D📐 RF.K.3.A

Next: Short e, i, o, u Words: Missing Vowel →

In this free missing letter activity, the first letter of each word has gone missing! Children see a friendly picture, such as a cat, a bus or the sun, read the two letters that are left and choose the beginning letter that completes the word.

Listening for the first sound in a word is one of the biggest steps in early reading. This activity gives children ten short, easy words to practise with, so they build confidence sound by sound. It works well for preschool, kindergarten and Class 1 learners at home or in the classroom.

How to play

  1. Look at the picture and say the word out loud, slowly: c - a - t.
  2. Listen carefully to the very first sound you hear.
  3. Tap the letter that makes that sound to fill the blank.
  4. Read the full word again to check that it matches the picture.

This activity builds three skills at once. First, your child practises phonemic awareness by isolating the beginning sound in a spoken word. Second, they match that sound to the correct letter, which is the heart of phonics and spelling. Third, they blend the three sounds back together to read a whole word, so reading starts to feel smooth rather than slow.

At home, you can stretch the learning by asking your child to name one more word that starts with the same sound, or to write the finished word on paper. Short daily practice of five minutes works better than one long session.

Frequently asked questions

What age is this missing letter activity best for?
It suits children aged about four to six, or anyone starting to read three-letter words. Younger children can do it with an adult saying the word aloud, while older children who need revision can finish it independently.
My child guesses instead of listening. How can I help?
Say the word slowly and stretch the first sound, like ssss-un. Ask your child to copy you and watch your mouth. Once they can hear the sound clearly, choosing the matching letter becomes much easier.
Which letters and words are used here?
The words are simple consonant-vowel-consonant words: cat, bus, hat, pen, sun, map, jet, van, net and box. Each one has a clear picture, so children can check their answer without needing to read any instructions.
Can I use this activity in a classroom?
Yes. Teachers can project it for whole-class sound practice, use it at a phonics station, or print it as a worksheet. It pairs well with letter cards, so children can build each word with their hands too.

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Updated 5 Nov 2026