Lesson 81
ir, ur /er/
The graphemes IR and UR spell /er/
When spelling words with the /er/ sound, encourage students to try multiple spellings (e.g., ER, IR, UR) to find one that looks right and then confirm the spelling using a dictionary or spellcheck. Recall final V is always spelled VE and final S is often spelled SE. This pattern will occur in words with r-controlled vowels (e.g., curve, nurse).
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
p sl ar or
sp st
Middle
a
i
Final
rk rt
+
New Concept
Today we learn that IR and UR are two more ways to spell the /er/ sound.
Highlighted words are the ones to show and practice reading — tap one to hear it.
We have been learning that when we put the /r/ sound after a vowel, it completely changes the way the vowel sounds. It makes what we call an 'r-controlled' vowel. Last time, we learned ER spells the /er/ sound. There are two other graphemes that can also spell the /er/ sound: IR and UR.
ir /er/
IR can also be used to spell the /er/ sound. IR can come in the middle of a word, such as and . IR can also come at the end of a word, such as and .
ur /er/
UR can also be used to spell the /er/ sound. UR can come in the middle of a word, such as and . UR can come at the beginning of a word, such as and . UR can also come at the end of a word, such as and .
How our mouth moves
For the /er/ sound, we're combining an /ŭ/ sound with an /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. Your voice is on. Listen: /er/. The /er/ sound is a continuous sound that can be stretched out. Watch me /er/. You try /er/.