R controlled vowels are in many common words that first and second grade students need to be able to read. R controlled vowels are vowels immediately followed by an r. The vowel sound changes and is influenced, or controlled, by the r. Understanding how r controlled words and syllables work is very important for students learning to read. However, sometimes…
Guided reading is under the microscope right now with the rise of the science of reading, and for good cause (but we’ll get to that). Can I tell you a secret about small group reading instruction? In my entire teaching career (and I pre-date Pinterest), I have never done traditional guided reading. Never. So, here’s what I do instead of…
Learning the sounds of the alphabet is an important and key skill to learning to decode. However, learning the ABC’s is not always as easy as 123. It can take a lot of practice, exposure, and time to really solidify the sounds in an emerging reader. Repetition is key to this vital skill. Here are how I use alphabet flashcards…
Digraph are two letter that make one sound. After learning short vowel words and simple long vowel words, digraph words are the words students often learn next. Here are lists of digraph words organized by vowel sounds for use in your classroom. Scroll to the end of the post to download the free printable lists from my free resource library…
CVCe words, or silent e words, are normally the first long vowel words children learn to write and read. These long vowel words include 3 sounds, a beginning sound, a middle vowel sound that is long, and an ending sound. The e at the end of the word is silent. Kindergarten and first grade teachers use CVCe words often in…