When it comes to teaching r-controlled vowels, it is important to help students understand how the consonant ‘r’ can change the sound of the vowel immediately before it. One way to introduce this concept is by using a compare and contrast strategy.
To start, have your students read CVC words containing short ‘a’ such as ‘can’, ‘cat’, ‘cab’, and ‘cap’. These words have the short ‘a’ sound, which is different from the long ‘a’ sound. Explain to the students that the ‘r’ in the word ‘car’ changes the sound of the vowel ‘a’. Read the word ‘car’ for them emphasizing the new sound created.
Next, provide more examples of words with r-controlled vowels, such as ‘card’, ‘part’, ‘park’, and ‘farm’. Have the students compare the sound of the vowel in these words with the sound in the CVC words they just learned. Encourage them to listen carefully to the difference in the vowel sound when ‘r’ is present.
To reinforce the concept, you can create word lists or flashcards with a mix of CVC words and r-controlled words. Have students sort the words into two groups – those with the short vowel sound and those with the r-controlled vowel sound. This activity helps them practice listening for and identifying the change in the vowel sound.
Another approach is to have students practice reading sentences or short passages that contain words with r-controlled vowels. This allows them to see the words in context and reinforces the connection between the ‘r’ and the change in the vowel sound.
In addition to reading activities, you can incorporate hands-on activities to engage students in exploring r-controlled vowels. For example, you can set up a word hunt where students search for words with r-controlled vowels in books or other print materials. They can then create a collage or word wall displaying the words they find. This visual representation can help students internalize the concept and build their recognition of r-controlled vowels.
It is also important to provide opportunities for students to practice spelling and writing words with r-controlled vowels. You can create word-building activities where students manipulate letter cards to form words with r-controlled vowels. This tactile approach can reinforce the connection between the ‘r’ and the change in the vowel sound.
To further support students’ understanding of r-controlled vowels, you can incorporate technology-based activities. There are many online games and interactive resources available that provide practice and reinforcement of this phonics concept. These activities can be used as independent practice or in small group instruction.
Teaching r-controlled vowels involves helping students understand how the ‘r’ changes the sound of the vowel immediately before it. Using a compare and contrast strategy, along with hands-on and technology-based activities, can help students develop their recognition and understanding of r-controlled vowels. By providing a variety of engaging activities, students can practice and reinforce this phonics concept in meaningful ways.