I was taught to read by sight. The only spelling rule I can remember being taught was “i before e except after c.”
For our students with specific learning disabilities (specifically, dyslexia), some of the spelling patterns which many learn somewhat intuitively need to be taught specifically and systematically.
Do you know the rule for when to use a /c/ versus a /k/ for the beginning of a word followed directly by a vowel?
A hard /c/ and /k/ make the same sound, which can be confusing.
Here is the rule:
- If the word is directly followed by the vowels a, o, or u, it begins with a c. Examples are: cat, cash, camp, cot, cod, coddle, cut, cup, cub.
- If the word if directly followed by the vowels e or i, it begins with a k. Examples are: key, keep, kettle, kit, king, kitten
Of course, in English, there are always some exceptions to the rule. I hope this helps, and be sure to teach the same rule over multiple days so it really sticks!
