Learning Rules of Decoding

Help your child become a successful reader by teaching them these simple rules! A lot of words follow the same pattern. If your child is able to recognize these patterns they will become faster and more accurate at sounding words out while reading!

1. Final “e”: When a word contains a short vowel+consonant (i.e., ap) sound, an “e” at the end of the word changes the sound the vowel makes (i.e., ape). The “e” at the end of the word jumps backward over the consonant and makes the vowel say it’s name rather than it’s sound!
   1. hop v. hope: the “e” jumps back and makes the “o” say it’s name.
   2. tap v. tape: the “e” jumps back and makes the “a” say it’s name.
   3. cut v. cute: the “e” jumps back and makes the “u” say it’s name.
   4. sit v. site: the “e” jumps back and makes the “i” say it’s name.
   5. pet v. Pete: the “e” jumps back and makes the “e” say it’s name.
2. Walking Vowels: When two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking and says it’s name. These are also known as long vowels.
   1. ai–> straight
   2. ay–> pay
   3. ee–> feet
   4. ea–> seat
   5. oa–> boat
   6. ie–> tie
3. C-Rule: When a “c” is followed by an “a, o, u” sound the “c” makes a hard /k/ sound. But, when a “c” is followed by an “e, i,y” sound the “c” makes a soft /s/ sound.
   1. “c” makes a hard /k/ when followed by “a, o, u”: cat, cost, cup
   2. “c” makes soft /s/ when followed by “e, i, y”: cent, city, cycle
4. G-Rule: When a “g” is followed by an “a, o, u” sound the “g” makes a hard /g/ sound. But, when a “g” is followed by an “e, i,y” sound the “g” makes a soft “j” sound.
   1. “g” makes a hard /g/ when followed by “a, o, u”: game, got, gum
   2. “g” makes soft “j” when followed by “e, i, y”: gentle, giant, gym

Here are fun flashcards to use to review these rules!

Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in the Iowa City, IA area and Des Moines, IA area. We provide individual speech-language therapy and tutoring as well as offering small group academic programs.  At Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center our passion is to help kids achieve effective communication skills and gain academic success.  Contact us for more information on how we can help your child succeed.

info@enrichmenttherapies.com

740 Community Drive, Unit A

North Liberty, IA 52317

319-626-2553

 infodm@enrichmenttherapies.com

5530 West Pkwy, Suite 300

Johnston, IA 50131

515-419-4270