Explain: When 'c' is next to 'a', 'o', or 'u' it is hard like 'k'. BUT: When powerful 'e' gets near to 'c', it changes 'c' to say 's'. So when you see the letters 'ce' together, they always say 's'. The 'e' is silent.
When 'i' gets next to 'c', it changes the 'c' to say 's' too, but the 'i' makes a sound too. 'ci' says 'sye'. When 'y' gets next to 'c', similarly, the 'c' says 's'. Help the pupil to chunk words where necessary. Say the word and listen for the natural breaks. They often come after the vowel sound. Remember - each chunk of a word must contain a vowel - or a vowel sound (in the case for example of words with 'y' making a vowel sound.)
Study these words: Note the tricky parts which are underlined.
council practice justice service concern cellar ascent (discuss the meaning of this word) succeed (the first 'c' is hard, the second soft: suc-seed) celebrate celebration influence discipline certain ancient association necessary Note the soft 'c' incident exception announce
Dictation:
Paul was concerned to read of a crash on the M25. It was reported in a national newspaper. 'The traffic was heavy leading up to the Dartford Tunnel on Monday, July 17th This was not unusual; however, it was an extremely wet day. The motorway was flooded in some parts, and it was necessary for drivers to be cautious. However, the driver of a large lorry did not heed the warnings to slow down and drove through a flood very quickly, causing the engine of a silver car to flood. The car did not have sufficient power for the driver to move it out of the way. Before he could think of what to do, another lorry had crashed into the back of it. The police will not be carrying out any further investigations in relation to this incident.'