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Reading · Sounds and rhymes

Sound Boxes: Count the sounds in a word, then spell them

Kids hear a word, count its sounds, then fill one box per sound with letter blocks (Elkonin boxes, the same method many teachers use). Words grow from three to four sounds, then add sh, ch, th and blends.

  • GradesKindergarten, 1st grade
  • Levels5, from “How many sounds?” to “Blend boxes”
  • A roundAbout 10 questions, a few minutes
  • PriceWith any plan, from $7.99 a month
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A round of Sound Boxes on a phone

How Sound Boxes works

The 5 levels

  1. How many sounds?
  2. 3 or 4 sounds
  3. Fill the boxes
  4. sh ch th boxes
  5. Blend boxes

What it lines up with in school

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts. Standards vary by state, so check with your kid’s teacher.

RF.K.2.D
Pick out the first, middle and last sounds in three-sound words.
RF.1.2.B
Blend sounds into one-syllable words, including blends.
RF.1.2.D
Split one-syllable words into every one of their sounds.

Practice it at home

Questions about Sound Boxes

What grade is Sound Boxes for?
Kindergarten and 1st grade. It’s a phonemic awareness game with 5 levels that move up when your kid is ready.
Which standards does Sound Boxes cover?
It lines up with Common Core reading and writing RF.K.2.D, RF.1.2.B and RF.1.2.D. Standards vary by state, so check with your kid’s teacher for the exact match.
Does my kid need to read to play Sound Boxes?
No. Every question is read aloud, so kids who are still learning to read can play on their own.
How long is a round of Sound Boxes?
About 10 questions, a few minutes. Nine right on the first try and the next round is a level harder; a tough round steps back one.
Is Sound Boxes free?
It comes with every plan, from $7.99 a month, with a 7-day free trial. Number Garden and Gator Compare are free.

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