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Lesson 116

ough /aw/, /ō/

The grapheme OUGH can spell /aw/ and /ō/

There are multiple variations in pronunciation of these sounds based on regional dialect.

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)

/th/ · /ō/though
/aw/ · /t/ought
/th/ · /aw/ · /t/thought

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 the grapheme OUGH can spell two sounds, /aw/ and /ō/.

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

OUGH is a grapheme that can represent two sounds, /aw/ and /ō/. ough /aw/: OUGH can spell /aw/ like in the words and . When OUGH spells /aw/ it is usually followed by T. ough /ō/: OUGH can also spell /ō/ like in the words and . OUGH usually spells /ō/ at the end of a word.

ough /aw/

OUGH spells /aw/ like bought and fought, usually followed by T.

ough /ō/

OUGH spells /ō/ like although and dough, usually at the end of a word.

How our mouth moves

Review articulatory gestures, as needed.

Sound wall

Add 'ough' under /aw/ and under /ō/.

Open the digital sound wall →