C is a strange letter. It has no sound of its own. Usually, c sounds like /k/ as in cut, cap, or code. However, when it is followed by e, i, or y, as in cent, city, or cyst, c always has its "soft sound" and sounds like /s/.

Figuring out the correct sound of c, (decoding) presents very little difficulty in reading. Simply keep in mind that normally it is sounded as /k/ and only when it is followed by e, i, or y does it sound like /s/. With this in mind, it is easy to read words such as bicycle or success.

But how does one know whether to use c or k in spelling?

Making a choice between c and k in spelling must be presented to young children in an orderly and systematic way. We recommend the following sequence:

1. Introduce c with its regular sound first (/k/). This means using c only as the initial letter in a word, or as part of an initial blend, making sure that it is only followed by a, o, or u. (Examples: cat, cot, cup, scalp, scum )
2. When the child is secure with the regular sound of c, and has learned at least nine other letters (see Alpha-Read sequence), introduce the letter k. . . which has the same sound as c. Instruct the student that now that he has two letters with the same sound, he should use c at the beginning and k at the end. (Examples: cod, clam, ask, milk, cask)
3. Teach the soft sound of c (c followed by e, i, or y has the sound of /s/) and then show how in words such as kid, kit, or kelp the letter k must be used. If you were to use c in these words, you would be required to pronounce them with the soft sound of /s/: cid would sound like /sid/, cit would sound like /sit/ and celp would sound like /selp/.

Developing an understanding of the sounds of c and when to use k takes time. So, too, does knowledge about when to use c or s in spelling! The authors of Alpha-Read have years of experience about how to present this information in a way that makes sense to young children. Future FYI articles will deal with related issues in a timely manner. Keep checking back with us.

CLICK HERE - FREE INTRODUCTORY LIST FOR LEARNING THE SOUNDS OF C...and the use of K

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