Letter X Phonics Worksheet — the /ks/ sound
The letter X is a special one, because it usually makes the /ks/ sound and most often appears at the end of words rather than the start. You hear it clearly in Box, Fox and Six, where the "ks" buzzes right at the finish. Say it together, "bo-ks", and listen for that quick double sound, a /k/ followed by an /s/.
This worksheet helps children aged 2 to 7 trace the letter X, say its /ks/ sound and match it to fun pictures like an Ox, the word Fix and a yellow Taxi. Because X behaves differently from most letters, we listen for it at the end of words, which is a gentle and honest way to teach how it really sounds.
Noticing that Box, Fox and Six all end with the same /ks/ sound trains a child's ear for ending sounds, which is just as important for reading as beginning sounds. X is rare, so a little extra picture practice helps. Keep it light and curious, and celebrate every "ks" your little one spots at the end of a word.
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 /ks/ sound by ear
- Hearing ending sounds in words
- Matching the /ks/ sound to the letter X
- Learning that X often comes at word ends
How parents can use this worksheet
- Say "bo-ks" slowly and listen for the /ks/ ending.
- Find /ks/ words like Box, Fox or Six.
- Cross two fingers to make an X while you say it.
- Trace the two crossing lines of the letter X.
Words that begin with the /ks/ sound
Related worksheets
Frequently Asked Questions
X usually makes a /ks/ sound, which fits naturally at the end of words like Box and Fox rather than at the start.
Because X is most often heard at word ends. Listening for ending sounds is a useful reading skill in its own right.
A few exist, like xylophone, but they are unusual and tricky, so the /ks/ ending sound is the best place to begin.
Continue Learning with TinyLearn
TinyLearn helps kids practice ABC, phonics, numbers, shapes, colors, animals, and more through playful learning games.
- ABC, phonics & letter sounds
- Numbers, shapes & colors
- Animals, fruits & first words
- Safe, ad-light & kid-friendly
Playful learning, one tap at a time
Keep the momentum going
Browse hundreds more free printable worksheets across every early-learning skill.