Silent “e” with “o” and “u”
A silent “e” usually makes a vowel say its name, but u_e can have two sounds. However, local pronunciation varies in different parts of the world. Talk to your child about this if the pronunciation is different in your area.
This is the first reason for a silent “e” that children learn about. Recognising a silent “e” that makes a vowel say its name, and knowing the sound made by 2 and 3-letter combinations, are the next major steps in learning to read successfully. I have found that lack of knowledge of these, particularly vowel sounds, is a very common cause of reading difficulties. Children will learn of several other reasons for a silent “e” in Level 9.
The silent “e” makes the /o/ say its name, /O/. See a very messy ice cream cone and an interesting animal that disappears into a hole. (Video 1)
Phonic Comic 2/5 – note, hope, rope, home – Will he be rescued from the desert island? The silent “e” makes the “o” say its name, but does not say anything itself. (Video 2)
The silent “e” makes the /u/ say its name, /U/, or /oo/. See fun in a river on a rubber tube and a rude seal that pokes out his tongue at the audience. (Video 3)
Phonic Comic 2/6 – June, cube, flute, tune – Can June play a tune on the flute? Point out to children how the “e” does not make a sound itself, but can change the sound of the “u” in two different ways. (Video 4)
Click on the bottom right hand corner of each video to see it full screen. If you have trouble seeing the videos try o_e, Phonic Comic 2/5, u_e, Jj and Phonic Comic 2/6
All illustrations for Phonic Comic books © A. H. M. Wherrett, 2004.
Thanks to H and J Semmens for photos of “cone” and to M Sands for video of “hole”. Thanks also to Pet Porpoise Pool, (Troy Saville, assistant manager), Coffs Harbour, NSW for permission to film the performing seal.
To see the other videos go to Videos for Children
Print the books easy 2-05 and easy 2-06 back-to-back on A4 paper, cut across the centre on the line, assemble, fold and staple.
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