Long vowels say their name. When a vowel is long, it sounds the same as the letter’s name in the alphabet. There are many spelling patterns that help us know when vowels are long. Learning these patterns helps with reading and spelling new words.
When a vowel is followed by a silent e at the end of a word, it often makes the long vowel sound. Example: cake, bike, rope, cube.
The vowel team ai and ay usually make the long a sound. These 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 ee and ea often make the long e sound. The vowels work together to make just one sound.
ea can sometimes make a short e sound, as in "bread." When you see ea, try the long e sound first, but check if the word makes sense.
The letter team igh makes the long i sound. The gh is silent, and only the long vowel sound is heard.
Think of igh as a special way to spell the long i sound. The letters work together, but only the i speaks.
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 teams ue and ui often make the long u sound. The letters combine to make one vowel sound.
ue is often found at the end of words, and ui is often found in the middle. Example: blue vs. fruit.
Long vowel teams are important spelling patterns. When two or more letters work together, they usually make one long vowel sound. Recognizing these patterns makes reading and spelling easier.
When you see two vowels together, try the long vowel sound first. If it doesn’t sound right, try another vowel sound until the word makes sense.