What can young children use to practice blending sounds in a play-based learning environment?

In a play-based learning environment, using cars as manipulatives allows young children to engage in hands-on activities that can reinforce their understanding of sound blending. For instance, children can move cars along a path while saying out loud the individual sounds of a word and then combining those sounds to form the word itself. This tactile experience not only makes learning more fun but also helps children connect the physical movement with auditory processing.

While books with no words encourage imagination and storytelling, they may not directly address the practice of blending sounds. Pencil and paper can be limiting for young children who benefit from interactive learning experiences, and digital writing tools, while innovative, may not provide the tactile and visual stimulation needed for effective sound blending practice at this stage of development. Thus, using cars as manipulatives taps into children's natural inclination to play while facilitating the development of foundational literacy skills.