How to Teach Long Vowel Sounds

Learning to read is an exciting time for a child, but sometimes, the method used for teaching can confuse him. For instance, the idea of 'long vowels.' That doesn't really explain what is happening. Instead of simply teaching a child how to recognize the vowels, teach him to write them at the same time. By speaking as he writes, it will address different learning styles--visual, hands-on and auditory--in your child.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Card stock Scissors Permanent ink markers in blue and black Ruler White board White board marker Primary writing paper Pencil

1. Prepare the vowel cards. Mark six rectangles measuring 5 inches by 7 inches on card stock. Cut out the rectangles. On each rectangle, using blue permanent ink, mark lines that resemble the lines on the primary paper.

2. Write a lower case vowel on a card. Use the traditional form for writing. For instance, use the circle and line for 'a' rather than the 'a' formed by typewriters and computers. Make the letter large enough to be seen from several feet away.

3. Give your child a piece of primary writing paper and a pencil. Make sure that he is seated comfortably at a desk or table. If he doesn't already know, show him how to hold the pencil.

4. Hold up the card with the 'a' and say, "A" distinctly. Have your child repeat it. Then demonstrate how to write the letter, "Place your pencil touching the center line and draw a circle. Then next to the circle, draw a straight line down." Have him write the 'a' as he repeats the sound. Have him practice writing and saying it several times. Repeat this for each of the vowels. When you teach 'y,' explain that 'y' is the only letter that has both consonant and vowel sounds and its vowel sound is the same as the 'i.'

5. Instruct your child to practice the long--'saying their name'--vowel sounds by writing each one across the line on the paper as he says it out loud. Watch as he practices it and help him if he makes a mistake in forming the letter.

6. Explain to your child that some people will call a "vowel saying its own name" a "long vowel." Tell him that he needs to know this in case someone ever mentions it.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice with your vowel flash cards each day before learning new a new vowel. How many vowels you teach in one day depends upon your child. A younger child only needs one or two vowels each day. Once your child has learned the lower case letters, you can introduce the capital forms of the vowels.