Research-Based Sequence to Introduce New Sounds

CVC words — using short-vowels – words should start with a “continuous” sound. Examples: mat sad fed sup sin lad
C=Consonant V=Vowel

Continuous consonants have a sound that does not cease when you hold the sound. Other consonants are made with quick puffs of air and the sound cannot be maintained. It is much easier to teach children to do blending if all the words used in the first lessons start with letters from the list of continuous sounds. These are m, s, l, f, r, n, v. The ending consonants may be continuous or not. The importance of blending skills cannot be overemphasized, and when students are presented with words that consistently illustrate the concept, they are able to learn more quickly and apply the blending skill to future words that may or may not start with continuous sounds.

CAUTION: do not introduce short /e/** and short /i/ back to back — They are too similar in sound!!!

**A letter between two slash marks indicates you should say the SOUND — not the name.

CVC words – using short-vowels – starting with STOP sounds
pat — Use “stutter-blend” method
ten — Make first sound VERY quickly-

bed — Immediately repeat WITH vowel and hold the vowel sound.
/p/ /paaaaa /t/ — SAY IT FAST: “pat”

CVCC words – ending with blends or double consonants
much
bell

CCVC words – starting with blends or double consonant
plop
spat

VCe silent-“e” rule words
hat + e = hate
cut + e = cute