From sound to letter
Rhyming and first-sound activities draw attention to the sound structure of words. The next step is linking familiar sounds to written letters. The What Works Clearinghouse foundational-reading guide gives strong evidence to teaching awareness of speech-sound segments and connecting sounds to letters.
Word building is not picture guessing
A word-building game asks the child to work through letters in sequence. After the screen activity, read the completed word aloud and make a sentence with it. That connects the technical task to language meaning.
Rhymes and syllables
Rhyming, clapping syllables and identifying common initial sounds are phonological-awareness activities. The EEF evidence store also highlights sound discrimination, sound manipulation and sound-letter mapping in early literacy.
Children still need real text
Games are useful for brief practice of a specific foundational skill. Children also need books, discussion of meaning and progressively more connected-text reading. IES recommends daily connected-text reading as foundational skills grow.
