Sound Substitution Word Change Worksheet for 1st Grade

This worksheet practices sound substitution by asking children to change the first sound of each word to make a new word. Examples on the page show how one sound change turns dog into cog and cat into hat.

At this age, sound play matters because beginning sounds are a big part of reading and spelling, and many kids need short, repeatable tasks to stay focused. When kids stall on letter shapes, starting with sounds can feel easier and keep practice moving.

For this exact page, point to one picture word at a time and say the word out loud. Child repeats the word, then child changes only the first sound to make the new word. The parent can write the answer lightly or the child can circle the correct new word if choices appear.

Each item on the worksheet is a tiny win, so the practice stays concrete and fast. The page is also different from a generic “read and write” sheet because it trains a specific skill, changing the first sound, right where kids can see and hear the change.