Letter X
X is a consonant. It says ks, as in Fox, or z, as in Xylophone.
The fox is in the box.
Words with X in them
Very few words start with X, so these have X in them. Tap a picture to hear the word.
How to write X
Draw a diagonal line down. Then draw another diagonal line the other way so they cross in the middle. X marks the spot.
Shape in short: Two straight diagonal lines crossing directly in the center.
Practise tracingFind every X and x
Tap the letters that match. Careful, some look alike!
Find 4 letters to win.
Watch out!
X and K look alike. X is two lines that cross, K has a straight stick.
Fun fact
X is usually at the end of a word in English: box, fox, six, mix.
Quick quiz
Secret codes for X
For big kids who love puzzles.
Teaching the letter X
Objective: children can name X and x, say its sound (ks, as in Fox, or z, as in Xylophone), form it correctly and spot it in words.
- Say it: show the letter, say its sound clearly and have children copy you. Use the sound, not the name, to start.
- Hear it: say the words box, fox, six, xylophone. Children clap when they hear the sound.
- See it: point out the capital and small partner, Xx.
- Write it: model the strokes in the air, then on paper. Draw a diagonal line down. Then draw another diagonal line the other way so they cross in the middle. X marks the spot.
- Use it: read the sentence together: "The fox is in the box."
Common mix-ups
X and K look alike. X is two lines that cross, K has a straight stick.
Support and stretch
- Support: use sand or a finger on the table before pencil.
- Stretch: ask for a new word with X in it, or spot X in a sentence.
Curriculum links (best guesses, please check)
- UK: Letters and Sounds, Phase 3 (the sound is "ks"). EYFS Literacy: word reading and writing.
- US: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.1.D (name upper and lowercase letters) and RF.K.3.A (letter-sound correspondence).
Phonics order varies between schools and schemes. Match it to yours.
Helping at home with X
Your child is learning to recognise X and x, hear the sound ks, as in Fox, or z, as in Xylophone, and write the letter. Little and often works best: 5 to 10 minutes is plenty.
Say it the way school does
Teachers use pure sounds, so try not to add "uh" on the end. Say ks, as in Fox, or z, as in Xylophone as short and crisp as you can.
Five easy ideas
- Go on a letter hunt: spot X on cereal boxes, signs and books.
- Write X in a tray of rice, sand or shaving foam.
- Make it with play dough or draw it huge with chalk outside.
- Find things with X in the name: box, fox, six, xylophone.
- Read "The fox is in the box." together and let your child point to the X.
If your child mixes up letters that look alike, that is very normal at this age. X and K look alike. X is two lines that cross, K has a straight stick.
Questions about the letter X
What sound does the letter X make?
The letter X makes the sound ks, as in Fox, or z, as in Xylophone. Try saying it with a friend, then find three things in the room that have that sound.
How do you write the letter X?
Draw a diagonal line down. Then draw another diagonal line the other way so they cross in the middle. X marks the spot.
What words have X in them?
Very few English words start with X, so here are easy words with X in them: box, fox, six, xylophone. The fox is in the box.
Is X a vowel or a consonant?
X is a consonant. The consonants are all the letters except A, E, I, O and U.