ESL Phonics Lessons: The Letter B

Welcome to our beginner phonics lesson focusing on the letter B! This ESL phonics lesson is designed to help young learners and ESL students understand and practice the sound and usage of the letter B. Phonics is a foundational skill that supports reading and writing proficiency, and mastering the letter B is an essential step in that journey. Let’s explore the letter B, its sound, and some fun activities to help reinforce learning.

ESL Phonics: Understanding the Letter B

The letter B is the second letter of the English alphabet and one of the most commonly used consonants. It’s important for learners to recognize the letter B in both its uppercase and lowercase forms: B and b. The primary sound associated with the letter B is the /b/ sound, as in “ball.”

ESL Phonics: The Sound of the Letter B

The letter B makes a voiced sound, which means the vocal cords vibrate when producing it. To make the /b/ sound, press your lips together and then release them while voicing a short burst of air. This sound is found at the beginning, middle, and end of many English words. Here are some examples:

• Beginning: Ball, Bat, Bag, Bed, Book
• Middle: Table, Rabbit, Bubble, Absent, Library
• End: Crab, Tub, Job, Club, Rob

The ESL phonics lesson below includes an introduction to the letter B, with several words, a sentence, and a page to practice tracing this letter. Students then practice tracing the letter B to complete several words in sentences. After completing this ESL phonics lesson, students should have a basic, functional understanding of the letter B, including its shape, capital and lowercase forms, and its positioning in sentences. Download this lesson for free, and you can also download our entire book of ESL phonics lessons on the alphabet, Phonics Monster: The Alphabet.