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.
ir
ir Level 2
stir
first
birth
skirt
shirt
third
dirty
thirty
thirsty
thirteen
In both of these words, the 'i' is acting like powerful 'e' and changing the 'c' to 'sss' - just like we saw with face.
circle
circus
Odd words for spelling:
any
many
For reading only: word sums
black + bird = blackbird
Sentences to practice:
That bird is a robin.
Sam has dirt on his shirt.
I can hear a blackbird in that tree.
The girl has a red skirt on.
Tom must be firm with the dog.
I have a red shirt.
I will be thirteen soon.
stir
first
birth
skirt
shirt
third
dirty
thirty
thirsty
thirteen
In both of these words, the 'i' is acting like powerful 'e' and changing the 'c' to 'sss' - just like we saw with face.
circle
circus
Odd words for spelling:
any
many
For reading only: word sums
black + bird = blackbird
Sentences to practice:
That bird is a robin.
Sam has dirt on his shirt.
I can hear a blackbird in that tree.
The girl has a red skirt on.
Tom must be firm with the dog.
I have a red shirt.
I will be thirteen soon.
Dictation for Friday
Frank has made the chicken pen. Jack will now paint it green while Frank chats to Tom. He must not get dirty. He stirs the paint and starts to brush it on. It drips on his shirt. Frank sighs. Tom gets them some water to drink as they are thirsty. He gets a slice of cake too for a treat. The pen is soon green. Tom praises them.
Teaching tip:
Talk about sigh being in the igh family before doing the dictation.
Frank has made the chicken pen. Jack will now paint it green while Frank chats to Tom. He must not get dirty. He stirs the paint and starts to brush it on. It drips on his shirt. Frank sighs. Tom gets them some water to drink as they are thirsty. He gets a slice of cake too for a treat. The pen is soon green. Tom praises them.
Teaching tip:
Talk about sigh being in the igh family before doing the dictation.