Lesson 58
u_e /ū/, /yōō/
Reading and spelling words with the U_E pattern
The U in U_E words may be pronounced in two different ways: /ū/ as in 'tube' or /yōō/ as in 'cube'. The /yōō/ sound of U in 'cube' is a diphthong, gliding from one part of the mouth to another. The /ū/ sound in 'tube' is not a diphthong. When we see words with the U_E pattern, we can be flexible and try both sounds for long U to see which one sounds right.
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.
New Concept
Today we learn that U has two long sounds with silent E — /ū/ like in flute and /yōō/ like in unicorn.
Highlighted words are the ones to show and practice reading — tap one to hear it.
We have learned that U spells /ŭ/ as in . /ŭ/ is a short vowel sound. U also has two long vowel sounds. Long U can be /ū/ as in . Long U can also be /yōō/ as in . U spells its long sounds when there is a silent E at the end of a word, like in the words and .
Magic E / Bossy E
You can use the terms 'magic E' or 'bossy E' to describe the silent E.
u_e /ū/
We hear the /ū/ sound in words like flute and tube.
u_e /yōō/
We hear the /yōō/ sound in words like use and mute. When we see words with the U_E pattern, we can be flexible and try both sounds for long U to see which one sounds right.
How our mouth moves
u /ū/: To make the long /ū/ sound, round your lips tightly and pull the back of your tongue toward the roof of your mouth, with the sides of your tongue touching the insides of your teeth. Be sure your voice is on. Like all vowels, /ū/ is a continuous sound that can be stretched out. Watch me /ū/. You try /ū/. u /yōō/: To make the long /yōō/ sound, begin with a tight smile with your tongue pulled back toward the roof of your mouth, as if you're going to say /ē/, then round your lips tightly and move into /ū/. Be sure your voice is on. Like all vowels, /yōō/ is a continuous sound that can be stretched out. Watch me /yōō/. You try /yōō/.
Sound wall
Add 'u_e' to the vowel valley under the /ū/ and /yōō/ picture cards.
Open the digital sound wall →