My daughter is 3 ½ and knows the alphabet letters and most of the sounds. She sounds out some words, too, but still cannot blend the sounds to say out the word. Would more practice help? Are there any ways to help her in blending the sounds?

Age 3 ½ is a bit young to be working on blending. Keep working with the alphabet letters and sounds and music is a great plus here. I use the a Phonics program CD everyday in class to let my kids always hear that every letter has a sound associated with it. I play lots of alphabet games and pre-reading games and puzzles. I introduce blending concepts when I know that the alphabet letters and sounds are very automatic. For most children this is around 4 to 4 1/2, but if she’s confident with the letters, you can begin blending concepts. If she shows any lack of interest, or her attention wanders—she’s not ready yet, and more alphabet practice would be in order. Good luck and enjoy reading with your child.