Mary writes: "I use two sets of see-through plastic hanging shoe pockets which are really cheap, and hang from hooks on the wall. Each of the 24 pockets holds a letter flashcard, the last 2 pockets have to double up if you want to use the whole alphabet.

The children are given a small object, maybe a wooden animal, a pen, a glue stick, a bead, a small world toy such as a table or bed. They sit in a circle, then take turns to tellme what their object is, what sound it begins (or ends) with, then they place it in the correct pocket. The other children confirm that it is the correct pocket.

You can target individual children with particular sounds, ask the more able to use the final sound, and generally adjust the game to fit. It can take about 20 minutes for a whole class, but it is a good activity for a small group with another adult, or for the children to attempt independently."