Lesson 54
a_e /ā/
Reading and spelling words with the A_E pattern
This is students' first introduction to words with long vowel sounds. The long /ā/ sound is technically a diphthong, meaning the vowel sound glides from one part of the mouth to another. As you model how to hold it out as a continuous sound, your mouth will change positions. You can use the terms "magic E" or "bossy E" to describe the silent E. It is important to notice when there is an E at the end of a word because it will tell us to say the long vowel sound like in the words cake, same, and made. Remember, the E does not make a sound, it is silent.
Today's plan
about 15 min- Step 1Warm up our ears (blend & segment)2 min
- Steps 2 & 3Look & Say / Listen & Spell4 min
- Step 4Blending drill3 min
- Step 5New concept + read/spell6 min
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)
Break it (I say word → you say sounds)
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.
Blending Drill
Change one part at a time and read the new word.
Initial
m z p t
Middle
a th e
Final
s ii nk
+
New Concept
Today we learn that a silent E at the end of a word makes A say its name, /ā/.
Highlighted words are the ones to show and practice reading — tap one to hear it.
We have learned that A spells /ă/ as in . /ă/ is a short vowel sound. A also has a long vowel sound: /ā/ as in . The long vowel sound is the same as the vowel's name A, /ā/. A spells /ā/ when there is a silent E at the end of a word, like in the words and . The silent E makes vowels say their names, or long vowel sounds. Display the word . This word is tap /t/ /ă/ /p/ tap. The A is making a short sound: /ă/. Watch what happens when I add silent E. Display the word . Tap becomes tape /t/ /ā/ /p/ tape. The silent E made the A say its name. Repeat this modeling with cap - cape; mad - made.
a_e /ā/
A spells /ā/ when there is a silent E at the end of a word, like in the words and . You can use the terms "magic E" or "bossy E" to describe the silent E.
How our mouth moves
To make the long /ā/ sound, open your mouth just a little, with your lips pulled back and tense. The tip of your tongue starts at the bottom of your mouth behind your teeth, and as your mouth narrows, the tongue moves up like this...(model). Be sure your voice is on. Like all vowels, /ā/ is a continuous sound that can be stretched out (use continuous hand motion). Watch me /ā/. You try /ā/.
Sound wall
Add grapheme card 'a_e' to the vowel valley under the /ā/ picture card.
Open the digital sound wall →