ESL Phonics Lessons: The Letter K

Welcome to our beginner phonics lesson on the letter K! This ESL phonics lesson is designed to introduce young learners and ESL students to the sound and usage of the letter K. Phonics forms the bedrock of reading and writing skills, and mastering the letter K will aid learners in decoding words, enhancing reading fluency, and building confidence in their language abilities. Let’s explore the letter K, its sounds, and engaging activities to reinforce learning.

ESL Phonics: Understanding the Letter K

The letter K is the eleventh letter of the English alphabet and is classified as a consonant. It appears in both uppercase (K) and lowercase (k) forms. The primary sound associated with the letter K is the /k/ sound, as heard in words like “kite” and “key.”

ESL Phonics: The Sound of the Letter K

The letter K produces an unvoiced sound, meaning it is articulated without vibration of the vocal cords. To pronounce the /k/ sound correctly, briefly stop the airflow in the mouth by placing the back of the tongue against the soft palate (the roof of the mouth), then release it with a burst of air. This sound typically appears at the beginning of words. Here are some examples:

Beginning: Kite, Key, Kangaroo, King, Kitchen

Middle: Baker, Bakeries, Bakersfield, Market, Basket

End: Back, Lick, Mark, Tank, Pink

The ESL phonics lesson below includes an introduction to the letter K, with several words, a sentence, and a page to practice tracing this letter. Students then practice tracing the letter K to complete several words in sentences. After completing this ESL phonics lesson, students should have a basic, functional understanding of the letter K, 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.