Confusing the letters b, p, and d is a common beginning-reader trait. In fact, I myself struggled with it all the way into middle school! A quick glance would not allow me to differentiate the subtle direction-change of this letter shape. I would have to slow my reading speed and double check that I had assigned the right sound to the right letter.
Recently, I took a few moments with six year old to help him tackle this common hurdle. Using index cards I made several flashcards for each letter (and added g and q to the mix).
Then we played the following games/drills:
Taking turns, one player calls out a letter or…
the sound one of a letter or…
a word that begins with one of the letters…
then the other players must show the corresponding flashcard.
This may not solve the problem completely, but the few minutes of added attention will help him be aware of his tendency to confuse these letters and bring him one step closer to mastering this pesky English alphabet.
Taking turns, one player calls out a letter or…
the sound one of a letter or…
a word that begins with one of the letters…
then the other players must show the corresponding flashcard.
This may not solve the problem completely, but the few minutes of added attention will help him be aware of his tendency to confuse these letters and bring him one step closer to mastering this pesky English alphabet.