Letter O Phonics Worksheet — the /o/ sound

The letter O often makes the short /o/ sound you hear at the start of Orange, Octopus and Otter. It is a round, open sound, made by opening your mouth into an O shape and saying "o", just like the letter looks. Show your child how their lips make a little circle, the same shape as the letter itself.

This worksheet helps children aged 2 to 7 trace the letter O, say its short /o/ sound and match it to fun pictures like an Olive, an Ostrich and a wise Owl. Making a round mouth and a round shape with their hands as they say "o, o" links the sound to the letter shape in a memorable way.

Short vowel sounds need plenty of clear repetition, so say /o/ slowly and often. Hearing it at the start of Orange, Octopus and Otter trains the ear for the vowel sounds that sit inside almost every word. That skill is essential for blending and reading. Keep it gentle and fun, and praise every round "o" your little one makes.