There might be some confusion as to when to use which combination of letters for these sounds, but this is more a spelling issue than a reading one. For example, we now have 'ay', 'a-e' and 'ai' all standing for the same sound. The key for spelling is to practice the words regularly, so that they almost memorise the list of words containing each sound. Note - not the spellings, as that should be learnt phonetically of course, but just to help the pupil remember which words go in which family. Pin them up around the house - the bathroom is a good place, or by the meal table - somewhere can they be seen frequently. I like to give frequent tests, reading a list of words and asking the pupil to identify which sound family they belonged to. Another method is to ask the pupil to make up a story using as many words in the family as possible, and then illustrate it and even act it out if possible. This multi-sensory approach helps it all to 'stick' in the memory.
ea
Like 'ai', to help you learn 'ea', remember that the first letter is saying its name 'ee'.
ea - Level 2
heat
seat
each
reach
teach
peach
beach
cream
treat
speak
steal
please (the 'e' is silent here - to look pretty!)
leave (the 'e' is silent here - to look pretty!)
leaf Another plural that changes 'f' to 'v' before adding 'es'
leaves
ear words: the 'ea' is still saying the same sound, just add 'r' after it.
ear
near
dear
year
Odd words for spelling:
water
Mr.
Mrs.
Sentences for practice:
I can read!
I like eating peas and chicken.
You like peaches, don't you? (discuss 'don't as 'do not' as for can't).
I am reading a book.
Sam is reaching across the desk to get his book.
Dad is speaking to you.
Do you like peas?
I like ice-cream. - Talk about 'ice-cream' being two words joined together.
heat
seat
each
reach
teach
peach
beach
cream
treat
speak
steal
please (the 'e' is silent here - to look pretty!)
leave (the 'e' is silent here - to look pretty!)
leaf Another plural that changes 'f' to 'v' before adding 'es'
leaves
ear words: the 'ea' is still saying the same sound, just add 'r' after it.
ear
near
dear
year
Odd words for spelling:
water
Mr.
Mrs.
Sentences for practice:
I can read!
I like eating peas and chicken.
You like peaches, don't you? (discuss 'don't as 'do not' as for can't).
I am reading a book.
Sam is reaching across the desk to get his book.
Dad is speaking to you.
Do you like peas?
I like ice-cream. - Talk about 'ice-cream' being two words joined together.
Dictation for Friday
On Tuesday, Frank tries teaching Jack to swim. Jack stands near the water and dips in his toes. He wants to swim in the sea, not in the pool.
"Come on, Jack. Please get into the water." says Frank. He explains that it is too far to go to the sea. Jack thinks of the beach and an ice-cream. He thinks of the heat from the sun. Frank swims up the pool.
On Tuesday, Frank tries teaching Jack to swim. Jack stands near the water and dips in his toes. He wants to swim in the sea, not in the pool.
"Come on, Jack. Please get into the water." says Frank. He explains that it is too far to go to the sea. Jack thinks of the beach and an ice-cream. He thinks of the heat from the sun. Frank swims up the pool.