Open Vowels, Like "Hi" and "Go"

Welcome back to Read Not Guess. Today we’re going to work on open vowels at the end of words, like “hi” and “go.”

Let’s get started.

Letter Names Quiz

So far we’ve focused on the sounds the letters make. But today it might be helpful to also brush up on the names of the vowels.

Can your child say the name of the letters as they point to each one?

a

e

i

o

u

How about if I mix up their order? Have them say the name of the letter as they point to each one:

o

e

i

a

u

Special Rule: Open Vowels

Explain to your child that when a syllable ends with a vowel, it is called an open syllable. When the syllable is left open, or uncovered, the vowel usually just says its name.

Word Practice

Now we’re going to work on blending words with open vowels.

Have your child say the first sound and then the name of the vowel. Your child can start slowly by saying each sound individually, but each time, they should try to say it just a bit faster.

Let’s start with this one:

m e

me

And:

h e

he

And:

w e

we

Now let’s try these:

g o

go

And:

s o

so

And:

h i

hi

Sentence Practice

See if your child can read this short story:

Hi Mom.

Bo wants to go get a hat.

He also wants a big bag.

Me? I just want to be next to him.

So, can I go?

Were they able to get through it? The word “to” is an exception to the rule, but was your child able to sound it out? It should sound like the number 2.

That’s it for today. See you next time.