Letter D Phonics Worksheet — the /d/ sound
The letter D makes the short /d/ sound you hear at the start of Dog, Duck and Door. It is a voiced tapping sound, made by touching the tip of your tongue just behind your top teeth and letting it drop with a little buzz, "d, d, Dog". Like /b/, it is a quick stop sound, so repeat it crisply rather than trying to stretch it out.
This worksheet helps children aged 2 to 7 trace the letter D, say its /d/ sound and match it to playful pictures like a Doll, a Drum and a friendly Dinosaur. Tapping a drum each time they say "d" turns the sound into a game and helps it stick in their memory.
When children notice that Dog, Duck and Door all begin with the same /d/ sound, they are learning to listen for beginning sounds, the building block of reading. Keep the mood cheerful, repeat the sound often and clap for every clear "d" your little one offers.
Free for home and classroom use. The preview shows a sample of the printable worksheet.
Little Lotus Learning
Name: ____________
Sample preview
What your child will learn
- Recognising the tapping /d/ sound by ear
- Listening for beginning sounds in words
- Matching the /d/ sound to the letter D
- Feeling where the tongue taps to make /d/
How parents can use this worksheet
- Tap a drum or table while saying "d, d, Dog".
- Find /d/ things at home like a Door, Doll or Duck.
- Say B and D side by side so the sounds stay separate.
- Let your child trace the letter D with a finger.
Words that begin with the /d/ sound
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Frequently Asked Questions
Show your child where your tongue taps behind your top teeth, then let them copy you while saying "d, d, Dog".
Reversals are very normal up to about age seven. Focus on the sound and gentle tracing, and it will settle in time.
Absolutely. Point out /d/ sounds during the day, like Dog or Dinner, so phonics becomes part of everyday play.
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