Learning Worksheets Phonics Letter L sound
Free printable PDF · beginning sounds · ages 3–5
Letter L Sound Worksheet: Beginning Sound /l/ (Free PDF)
Lion, lemon, leaf and lollipop: /l/ is a smooth, singing sound that children can stretch out, which makes it easy to hear at the start of a word.
The L worksheet at a glance
- Section 1: say /l/ and trace the letter in capital and small form.
- Section 2: find the 6 /l/ pictures (lemon, leaf, lollipop, lobster, ladybug and lock) among 12.
- Section 3: picture-to-sound matching for four first sounds.
- Answer key: picture names, answers and quick tips.
Mouth position for /l/
Put the tip of your tongue just behind your top teeth and let your voice flow around the sides: /lll/. Keep your tongue up and hum the sound.
Ways to practise the /l/ sound
Sing la-la-la together, then try other l sounds: lo-lo, li-li. Point to the tongue tip in a mirror. Then hold a pretend lollipop and lick it each time a word starts with /l/: lion, leaf, ladybug. Finish with the worksheet, saying each picture name slowly.
Extra /l/ words
Leg, lap, lid, log, lip, look, lamp, lunch.
Tricky bits
Many young children say /w/ or /y/ for /l/ (“wion” for lion). This is a normal speech stage. Model the word clearly, but do not insist on the sound if your child is under five.
Game: Lemon line-up
Lay a line of paper lemons on the floor. Your child takes one step along the line for each l word they can say. If they reach the end, they get a real slice of lemon to taste (and pull a face!).
Little and often
Lunch, lights and laundry are everyday /l/ words. Switch the light on and off for each one you say.
A silly sentence to try
Little lions lick lemon lollies.
Letter l handwriting
Handwriting pages for this letter: L uppercase · l lowercase · l cursive.
Keep going
Carry on with letter m, then letter n. Later, l joins other letters in l-blends like fl and cl.
Letter L sound questions
At what age should children say /l/ clearly?
Many children say /l/ clearly by age 5, but it can take longer. Speech develops at different rates, so ask a professional if you have concerns.
Why is l good for blending?
Because it can be stretched, l helps children blend sounds together, as in l-e-g. It is also part of blends like bl, cl and fl.
More answers in the phonics FAQ.
More Letter Sound Worksheets
Also try: CVC words · sight words · alphabet tracing