Every syllable in every word MUST include a vowel, so knowledge of vowel sounds is exceedingly important. So whether it’s long, short, part of a vowel team, or a tricky schwa, here you’ll find tons of resources aimed to practice mastery of vowels.
Make sure you understand the differences between consonants and vowels (you might be surprised at what you learn!), and download the FREE long and short vowels anchor charts!
Did you know vowels and consonants are sounds, not letters?! Review the definitions, characteristics, examples, and the differences between vowels and consonants to better understand and teach this foundational information. What Are Vowels and Consonants? Let’s start by reviewing some important background information. All words in the English language are made up of a combination…
Get a free printable list of 121 one-syllable words with the short U sound. Read all about teaching the short U sound, get ideas for working with students, and then download a free pdf printable! About the Short U Sound Short /ŭ/ is a vowel sound. The sound is represented by the letter U, and…
Learn about the short O sound and get a FREE printable list that includes 119 short O words, organized by word families. 🐙 All About Short O The written letter O (called a grapheme) can represent different sounds (phonemes). The letter O can be both long or short. But the most common sound the letter O will…
Learn all about teaching the short i sound to students, and get a free printable list that includes 125 short i words, organized alphabetically by word family. All About Short I The letter i can represent multiple sounds, including short or long sounds. When the letter I represents it’s short sound, it will spell /ĭ/ – the…
Learn all about the Short E sound following research-backed, Science of Reading-aligned best practices, and get a free printable list of 114 short e words, organized by word family. 🍳 All About Short E The letter E represents a vowel sound. It can be a long or short vowel sound (or schwa). Short vowels are usually taught…
Learn all about teaching the short A sound and get a free printable list of over 150 short A words, organized by word family. 🍎 All About Short A A vowel sound is made with an open mouth, where the jaw drops and the sound is unobstructed. Every written syllable MUST include a vowel. Short…
The Schwa is the most common vowel sound in English, so students need lots of practice in order to read, spell, and pronounce words containing a schwa. Get two free Schwa Sound practice worksheets to help your students identify and spell the schwa sound in words. What Is the Schwa Sound? There are some basic…
The ultimate lists of Schwa sound words! Get two printable lists with 128 Schwa Sound words and examples. The lists are organized with words based on the placement of the schwa sound or vowel that makes the schwa sound. ℹ️ About the Schwa Sound 5 fast facts about Schwa: 🤔 Want to know more? Learn…
Picture labeling is an excellent activity to use with young writers learning to spell. Get 6 FREE label-the-picture worksheets that follow Science of Reading procedures. Kids will have a blast while they tap the sounds, map the letters, spell and read the words, and then color the pictures! 💗 Why We Love It Labeling pictures…
Learn all about the Long U sound, including the 2 sounds long U can make. Then, grab yourself two printable pdf lists with over 215 long U vowel sound words, organized by sound and spelling pattern. All About Long U In our previous long vowel posts, we’ve consistently said that the rule for long vowels…