Long Vowels
Sounds
The vowels, A, E, I, O, and U when pronounced in the long vowel form, say their name. For example in the word CAKE the vowel A says its name when the word is read aloud. There are two methods which we will focus on that produce long vowel sounds, when two vowels are next to each other, and magic e.
Two Vowels Next to Each Other
When two vowels are placed next to each other in a word the FIRST vowel takes the power away from the second vowel and becomes long. The second vowel is silent helping the first vowel produce their name. For example in the word 'goat' as you see below, the 'a' is silent giving all the power to the 'o' producing the long o sound. This rule is necessary when reading aloud for pronunciation purposes. The video below When Two Vowels Go Walking is a great resource to help you remember the rule for pronunciation when two vowels are placed next to each other.
The vowels, A, E, I, O, and U when pronounced in the long vowel form, say their name. For example in the word CAKE the vowel A says its name when the word is read aloud. There are two methods which we will focus on that produce long vowel sounds, when two vowels are next to each other, and magic e.
Two Vowels Next to Each Other
When two vowels are placed next to each other in a word the FIRST vowel takes the power away from the second vowel and becomes long. The second vowel is silent helping the first vowel produce their name. For example in the word 'goat' as you see below, the 'a' is silent giving all the power to the 'o' producing the long o sound. This rule is necessary when reading aloud for pronunciation purposes. The video below When Two Vowels Go Walking is a great resource to help you remember the rule for pronunciation when two vowels are placed next to each other.
Magic E
The magic E does a lot of work when it comes to producing the long vowel sounds. When an 'e' is placed at the end of a word it usually means that the first vowel in the word is going to produce the long vowel sound, saying its name. The first vowel is not strong enough without the 'e' at the end to say its own name therefore without the 'e' it only produces the short vowel sound making it a completely different word. For example, in the word MAT the 'a' produces the short a sound. When you add the 'e' to the end making it MATE, the 'e' gives enough strength to the 'a' therefore the 'a' is able to say its own name now and make the long vowel sound. The video below Magic e is a fun video to enjoy watching the "power of e!"
The magic E does a lot of work when it comes to producing the long vowel sounds. When an 'e' is placed at the end of a word it usually means that the first vowel in the word is going to produce the long vowel sound, saying its name. The first vowel is not strong enough without the 'e' at the end to say its own name therefore without the 'e' it only produces the short vowel sound making it a completely different word. For example, in the word MAT the 'a' produces the short a sound. When you add the 'e' to the end making it MATE, the 'e' gives enough strength to the 'a' therefore the 'a' is able to say its own name now and make the long vowel sound. The video below Magic e is a fun video to enjoy watching the "power of e!"