Simple Plan for Teaching Short Vowels
Short and consistent lessons are the most effective. Begin by focusing on one vowel then review that vowel and add in the next. Here is a simple plan beginning with the vowel "a". Use the lesson with the free printables provided.
Lesson for Short "a"
- Review the alphabet
- Have the child recite the vowels
- Tell the student that the focus will be on Short "a"
Teacher Led Instruction
- Show your student the keyword image of the apple. Say the short "a" sound.
- Have your student repeat the short "a" sound several times.
- Go back and forth with your students saying words that contain the short "a" sound.
- Dictate simple CVC short "a" words to your child.
Independent Learning
- Have your child practice writing the letter "a". As the child writes the letter have the child say the short "a" sound.
- Have your child draw pictures of words that have the short "a" sound.
Review and Wrap-up
- Show the child the keyword poster and have the child say the short "a" sound.
- Provide the child the keyword card to add to her notes and review anytime she needs to be reminded of the phoneme.
Next Steps
Once your child masters the short "a" sound it is time to add the next vowel. During review and wrap-up, go over the previous sound(s) and the current one. Provide the keyword cards as you go to reinforce the phonemes.
Using Keywords to Reinforce Short Vowels
Keywords for each vowel sound aids the child's memory for the phonemes. The keywords provide a visual prompt to help a child remember the sound and apply it to words. Keywords can be used for vowels, consonants, vowel teams, blends, and digraphs. During reading, if a child forgets a sound or has trouble, she can simply look to her keyword cards for the visual prompt. Keep all the cards in an index box or laminate and place on a book ring.
Download Short Vowel Printables
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- This set is for personal and classroom use only.
- This printable set may not be sold, hosted, reproduced, or stored on any other website or electronic retrieval system.
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Richele is a homeschool mom and Orton-Gillingham Tutor with a collegiate background in educational psychology. She uses her 15 years of homeschool experience to encourage, teach, and entertain on her site TalkingMom2Mom.com. Follow her on Facebook and Pinterest.
