The letter L: listen, repeat, and write
Lion · أسَد
Letter name: إل · Letter sound: لْ /l/
How to say the letter L
Place the tip of the tongue behind the top teeth and let the sound flow around the sides: 'lll'. Like the Arabic laam.
In phonics we teach the sound of a letter before its name, because the sound is what the child uses when reading. The name of L is "إل" in Arabic script, but when we read Lion we hear the sound /l/.
Words that start with L
Tap a word to hear it, then repeat it with your child
Short sentence
The lion likes lemons.
الأسد يحب الليمون.
Trace the letter Ll
Write with your finger or mouse over the faded letter, then try the small letter
Letter L worksheets to print
Trace capital L
Dotted tracing rows for capital L with a Lion picture.
Trace small l
Dotted tracing rows for small l on handwriting lines.
Picture and word
Ll with a Lion picture and words that start with the letter to read, trace and colour.
Colour the letter L
Big outline capital and small letters to colour with the word Lion.
Find and circle L
A grid of mixed letters: find capital L and small l and circle them.
Which words start with L?
8 words in English and Arabic: colour the star next to the words that start with the L sound.
Tip for parents and teachers
L is a stretchy sound: 'llll-ion'. Let your child sing it on a long note, then finish the word.
What comes after L?
FAQ about the letter L
How is the letter L pronounced?
The letter name is "L". Its reading (phonics) sound is /l/, closest to the Arabic حرف اللام (ل). Place the tip of the tongue behind the top teeth and let the sound flow around the sides: 'lll'. Like the Arabic laam.
What is the difference between the name and the sound of L?
We use the name when spelling, but the sound is what we hear at the start of Lion. In phonics we teach the sound first because it is what the child needs to read words.
Which words start with L for kids?
Lion (أسد), Lemon (ليمون), Leaf (ورقة شجر), Lamp (مصباح), Ladder (سلم). Listen to each one on this page.
How do I teach my child the letter L at home?
L is a stretchy sound: 'llll-ion'. Let your child sing it on a long note, then finish the word. Then print the free tracing sheet and write capital L and small l together.