Focus on learning the sounds each letter makes, especially consonants and short vowels. Be able to produce the sounds clearly.

Practice short vowel sounds like "a" as in cat, "e" as in bet, "i" as in sit.

Practice consonant sounds like "m" as in man, "s" as in sit, "t" as in top.

Start with simple CV blends (consonant-vowel) like "m-a" and "t-i". Say the sounds individually then blend them together into the whole word (e.g. m-aaa-n).

Blend consonant-vowel sounds like: s-a (s-aaa = Sam) l-e (lll-eh = let) m-i (mmm-iii = mitt)

Blend vowel-consonant sounds like:
a-t (aaa-t = at) o-m (oh-mmm = ohm) i-s (iiii-sss = iss)

As this skill develops, begin practicing three letter CVC words (consonant-vowel-consonant). Sound out each letter then blend them to say the whole word fluently (e.g. c-a-t).

Practice daily with short word lists that follow basic phonetic patterns. Break each word into its sounds before blending.

Use letters you've practiced to make three-letter short words: c-a-t (cat) s-i-t (sit) p-e-g (peg)

For extra practice, try covering part of the word and blending just the visible letters.

Blend words both slowly and then at a normal speaking pace.