A vowel team is when two vowels work together to make one sound. Sometimes the first vowel does the talking (long sound), and sometimes the team makes a special sound. Learning these patterns helps with reading and spelling many words.
Think of vowels as “friends” that sometimes share their sounds. If one vowel doesn’t talk, the other usually does.
The vowel team ai and ay usually make the long a sound. The letters work together, and only one vowel sound is heard.
Use ai in the middle of words, and ay at the end of words. Example: rain vs. play.
The vowel teams ea and ee often make the long e sound. These vowels work together so only one sound is heard.
Both ea and ee usually say the long e sound, but ea can sometimes sound like short e, as in "bread." Pay attention to the word.
The vowel teams oa and oe usually make the long o sound. The first vowel does the talking, and the second is silent.
Use oa in the middle of words, and oe at the end of words. Example: boat vs. toe.
The vowel team oo can make two different sounds in English: a long "oo" sound (like in "moon") and a short "oo" sound (like in "book"). You need to learn which sound it makes by reading and listening carefully.
The "oo" team can be tricky because it sometimes makes a long sound and sometimes a short sound. The best way to learn is by reading, listening, and practicing the words.
Vowel teams are powerful patterns in English spelling. When two vowels are side by side, they usually make one sound. Learning these patterns will help you read and spell more words with confidence.
Underline vowel teams when practicing. Say the word slowly and notice how the vowels work together to make one sound.