Swap the Sound, Change the Word: First Sound Substitution for KG

This Kindergarten phonics worksheet helps young learners understand how changing the first sound of a word creates a new word. Designed for Grade KG students, the worksheet builds early phonemic awareness through fun, logic-based sound substitution activities using simple three-letter words.

Children begin by choosing the correct new word after replacing the first letter, strengthening their ability to hear and manipulate sounds. The worksheet then reinforces learning through true or false statements, helping learners check their understanding of how first sounds affect word formation.

As students progress, they independently write new words after changing the first letter, using picture clues and word banks for support. This gradual progression builds confidence, improves decoding skills, and prepares children for early spelling and reading success.

Why First Sound Substitution Matters in Early Learning?

First sound substitution is important for KG learners because:
1. It strengthens phonemic awareness.
2. It helps children understand how sounds build words.
3. It supports early spelling and decoding skills.
4. It prepares learners for reading CVC and simple sight words.

What’s Inside This Worksheet?

This worksheet includes four structured phonics activities:

🔤 Exercise 1 – Choose the New Word  
Students select the correct word after changing the first letter.

✔️ Exercise 2 – True or False (Sound Change Check)  
Students decide whether the sound change forms the correct new word.

✏️ Exercise 3 – Write the New Word  
Students write the new word after replacing the first sound.

🖼️ Exercise 4 – Word Bank Sound Substitution  
Students create new words by changing first letters using a word box.

🔹 Answer Key (For Parents & Educators)

Exercise 1 – Choose the New Word  
1. Bat  
2. Joy  
3. Fog  
4. Mug  
5. Jet  
6. Mad  
7. Den  
8. Tin  
9. Dip  
10. Tap  

Exercise 2 – True / False  
1. True  
2. True  
3. True  
4. True  
5. False  
6. True  
7. False  
8. True  
9. False  
10. True  

Exercise 3 – Write the New Word  
1. cat  
2. dog  
3. bun  
4. hat  
5. pen  
6. rat  
7. cup  
8. bed  
9. fan  
10. jam  

Exercise 4 – Write the New Word (Word Bank)  
1. sun  
2. dog  
3. hen  
4. red  
5. run  
Build strong phonics confidence by helping your child play with sounds and words.  
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