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Lesson 111

-ar, -or /er/

The graphemes AR and OR can spell /er/ at the end of two-syllable words

The /er/ sound for OR was previously introduced in Lesson 82 for OR after W (e.g., work, world). OR also spells /er/ at the end of two-syllable words, such as doctor and author.

Today's plan

about 15 min
  1. Step 1Warm up our ears (blend & segment)2 min
  2. Steps 2 & 3Look & Say / Listen & Spell4 min
  3. Step 4Blending drill3 min
  4. Step 5New concept + read/spell6 min
Step 1

Warm Up Our Ears

Say the sounds; students blend them into a word. Then say a word; students break it apart.

Blend it (teacher says sounds → you say word)

/f/ · /l/ · /ā/ · /v/ · /er/flavor
/t/ · /or/tor
/n/ · /ĕ/ · /k/ · /t/ · /er/nectar

Break it (I say word → you say sounds)

Steps 2 & 3

Flashcard Drills

Full-screen cards for the class. Tap a card to check the answer, or press Hear the words to hear the example words read aloud.

Step 4

Blending Drill

Change one part at a time and read the new word.

Step 5

New Concept

Today we learn that AR and OR can spell /er/ at the end of two-syllable words like dollar and doctor.

Highlighted words are the ones to show and practice reading — tap one to hear it.

We have previously learned about 'r-controlled' vowels. -ar /er/: We have learned that AR usually spells /ar/, but AR can also spell /er/ like at the end of the word . AR spells /er/ at the end of two syllable words such as the words and . AR also spells /er/ in other big words, like upward and lizard. -or /er/: We have also learned that OR usually spells /or/, and that OR can also spell /er/ after W such as word and work. OR also spells /er/ at the end of two-syllable words that begin with W, such as the words and .

-ar /er/

AR spells /er/ at the end of two-syllable words such as and , in words like upward and lizard.

-or /er/

OR spells /er/ at the end of two-syllable words such as and .

How our mouth moves

Remember that for the /er/ sound, we're combining the /ŭ/ sound with the /r/ sound to say /er/. We begin with our lips pulled forward for the /ŭ/ part, but then our tongue pulls back and the sides of the tongue are raised up for the /r/ part of the sound. The /er/ sound is a continuous sound that can be stretched out. Watch me /er/. You try /er/.

Sound wall

Add 'ar' under /er/ (with 'er', 'ir', 'ur', and 'or').

Open the digital sound wall →