Phonics Rules
1 Vowel Rule
- If there’s one vowel in a word, it usually says its short sound.
- Exception: When e or o is the only vowel at the end of a short word, it usually says its long sound.
2 Vowel Rule
- If there’s two vowel in a word, the first on says its long sound and the second one is silent.
Q always has helper “u.”
-When u is with Q it doesn’t count as a vowel
k/c Rule
-K comes before “I,” and “e”; C before the other 3, “a,” “o,” and “u.”
c-k Rule
c-k usually follows a short vowel.
k-e Rule
k-e usually follows a long vowel.
E in me, o in go, and y in fly usually come at the end of a short word.
L, f, and S Rule
-When there are two of these consonants together, we say the sound of the first one. The second one is silent.
- Often together at the end of a short vowel word (yell, pass, calf)
Marking Words
Short Vowels: a, e, i, o, u
Long Vowels: a, e, i, o, u
-Long vowels say their own name. U says its own name and oo
Silent Vowels: cross it out
Special Sounds (e, o, y, ck, sh, th, gl, st…etc.): Circle them
Note to parents: You may review these rules before phonics and spelling tests