Phonics Principle 4
This is the second long vowel principle.
When a word has a vowel in the middle and is followed by a consonant and a silent /e/, then the vowel in the middle will be long. Example words: make, smile, strike, etc.
The student should 'walk' across the bottom of the word from left to right. For marking purposes, put a dot under any vowel. Then go above the word from right to left (backwards). Strike out the final /e/ because it is only there to make the middle vowel long. Go to the middle vowel and mark it with the long vowel symbol.
Now read the word according to your vowel markings. This is the key purpose for the marking system; it allows the child to 'see' words in a manner in which will allow him to find success in reading unknown words. With consistent practice, the child will begin to see words in this manner without needing to mark them!
Remember, when you finally get to multisyllabic words, EVERY SINGLE SYLLABLE must have ONE vowel SOUND. Reiterate that concept right now while you are working with just one-syllable words!
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make smile = Phonics Principle 4
FYI: Phonics Principle 4 forms a syllable pattern called CVCe. This means "consonant, vowel, consonant, and silent e." It is an open syllabe because the vowel is long.
Here is a link for CVCe words that you can practice Phonics Principle 4 with:
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