The "str" sound
/str/ blend as in string · Beginning blends
Say each sound quickly and let them slide together: /s/ /t/ /r/. Teach the sound before the spelling: say /str/ blend as in string until your child can hear it inside a word, then show them the letters that make it.
str
/str/ blend as in string
"str" words
- string
- strong
- street
- straw
- stripe
- stretch
Teach it in four steps
- Say /str/ blend as in string on its own, five times, with no letters visible.
- Show the letters "str" and say the sound together.
- Read string, strong, street, straw, stripe and listen for it each time.
- Cover the words. Your child writes two of them from memory.
Common questions
What sound does "str" make?
"str" says /str/ blend as in string. Say each sound quickly and let them slide together: /s/ /t/ /r/.
What are some "str" words?
string, strong, street, straw, stripe, stretch.
How do you teach the "str" sound?
Sound before symbol. Say /str/ blend as in string on its own until your child can hear it, then show the letters, then read words containing it. Finish by having them write two words from memory.
When should children learn "str"?
Once single-letter sounds and simple CVC blending are secure — usually late kindergarten or first grade.
Play the "str" game
Sound Wheels plays the sound in a real human voice and builds words with it.
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