Have fun with the sounds in words.  Clap out the rhythm of your name and have your child do the same.  Then try other people's names (Jon-a-thon, La-toy-a).  Say words that start with the same sound as your child's name: Sam, soap, and sandwich.  Say the word slowly so that you hear the first sound.  Have your child try to do the same.  Find the rhyming words in Mother Goose or other rhymes.

Other Ideas:

• Say two words and ask your child if the words begin with the same sound.  If your child can do this, then try words that end with the same sound.

Related Books:

• Sheep on a Ship by Nancy Shaw
• Hand Rhymes by Marc Brown
• Diez Deditos / Ten Little Fingers and other Play Rhymes from Latin America selected by Jose-Luis Orozco
• Arroz Con Leche / Popular Songs and Rhymes from Latin America selected by Lulu Delacre
• Any collection of Mother Goose Rhymes or children's poetry.