Short sounds, long sounds, and letter names. Confusing? It certainly can be, especially for very young children. Actually, the long sound is identical to the alphabet name of the letter. Probably the reason the term "long sound" came into use is due to the extra tiny motion of the mouth required to say the alphabet name.

Only a vowel (a,e,i,o,u) can say its alphabet name (long sound). When a vowel in a word says its alphabet name (long sound) there is usually a signal or a clue. The best known clue (but not the only one) concerning long vowel sounds is the rule of the silent e: silent e at the end of a word makes the vowel in front of it say its alphabet name. Words such as shade, cute, rope, dime, and dictate demonstrate the use of this rule.

Sometimes, silent e is referred to as "magic e" or "tricky e" Whatever it is called, this e at the end of the word has no sound of its own. It sits quietly at the end of the word, silently serving as a signal that the vowel before it must say its alphabet name.

You can have lots of fun with your child changing short vowel words into long vowel words, or long vowel words into short vowel words by adding or taking away the silent e. Try some of these words: cut. . .cute cap. . .cape slime. . .slim rob. . .robe slop. . .slope shame. . .sham.

Avoid using words ending with ge or ve (examples: rage or give). These words are covered by slightly more advanced rules. Alpha-Read is a developmental program presenting the easiest principles first. As your child matures, Alpha-Read can help you appropriately introduce and teach each level of rules. Stay with us.

Alpha-Read users can take advantage of the free offer available in the Alpha-Read Kit. Just complete the questionnaire in the kit, mail it back to Alpha-Read and receive free a silent e card, instructions for use and an expanded list of words for reading and spelling. Teaching the rule of silent e the Alpha-Read way will be simple, effective and fun!

FREE INTRODUCTORY LIST FOR LEARNING SILENT E

E at the end of a word makes the vowel in front of it say its alphabet name.

/a/	/i/	/o/	/u/
at ate	pin pine	rob robe	cut cute
tap tape	rid ride	hop hope	cub cube
mat mate	bit bite	not note	jut jute
pal pale	hid hide	cod code	us use
hat hate	win wine	mop mope	dud dude

And Another Free Offer From Alpha-Read:
For an expanded list of words to use to teach the silent e rule, send a self-addressed stamped business envelope requesting "More Words For Silent E Practice" to Alpha-Read, P.O. Box 3971, New Hyde Park, NY 11040.

© 2001 Alpha-Read