Parenting 101

15 Phonics Rules For Reading and Spelling Success

15 Phonics Rules For Reading and Spelling Success

Phonics is a method that teaches reading and writing to the kids. It focuses on the relationship between sounds and their spellings. Phonics reading starts with identifying letters by their sounds then progresses to blends, digraphs, and other letter combinations. 

Phonics rules not only teach reading strategies through sounds but also spelling patterns. Learning phonics rules helps children read new words and spell better.

Phonics and spelling rules will help kids become great readers and spellers. To unlock the magic of reading and spelling, here are 15 import rules to master!

1. Syllable hammer:

To spell out words easily, it is important to break them down into syllables first.

Syllable is part of a word having one vowel sound with or without consonants on either side. It’s like the beat of the word.

Tip – You can use the humming sound to break down syllables. 

For example: Cactus, Basket, important, helicopter.

2. Syllable Window (open/close) :

A syllable is said to be an “open syllable” when it 

ends with a vowel or there is no consonant after the vowel. Then the vowel makes a long sound.

For example : Me, She, Unit, Open, Tiger.

A syllable is said to be a “closed syllable” when it ends in a consonant or the vowel is closed in by a consonant. Then the vowel makes a short sound.

For example : Cut, Mat, Van, Tub, Picnic.

3. Magic e :

When a word ends with a silent “e,” it usually changes the sound of the preceding vowel from a short vowel sound to a long vowel sound. For example, in the word “cap,” the “a” has a short vowel sound, but in the word “cape,” the “e” at the end makes the “a” say its name, resulting in a long vowel sound.

For example : “man” becomes “mane”, “cut” becomes “cute”, “ rob” becomes  “robe” and “pin” becomes  “pine”.

4. FLOSS Rule:

When a one-syllable word with a short vowel ends in a /f/, /l/, /s/, or /z/ sound double the /ff/, /ll/, /ss/, or /zz/.

For example : Cliff, buzz, bell, chess, puff.

5. Ending in ‘k’ or ‘ck’ :

Generally, words ending in the /k/ sound are spelled with a “ck” after a short vowel, like in “back”. However, words ending in the /k/ sound after a consonant are usually spelled with just a “k,” like in “milk”.

For example: Stick, luck, rock, pink, silk, think.

6. The cat’s kitten rule (‘c’ or ‘k)’ :

In English, when the letter “c” is followed by a, o, or u, it typically makes the /k/ sound.

For example: cat, cub, come, candy, cute.

When letter “c” is followed by e, i, or y, it usually makes the /s/ sound hence letter “k” is used instead of “c” before the vowels “i” and “e” to make the  /k/ sound.

For example: king, key, kite, kitten.

7. ‘ch’ or ‘tch’ sound :

The combination “tch” is used after a short vowel sound.

For example: watch, fetch, match, hutch.

The single letter “ch” is used after a consonant or a long vowel.

For example: torch, pinch, march, beach, lunch.

8. ‘ge’ or ‘dge’ sound :

If a single syllable word, after a short vowel is followed by /j/ sound, we write ‘dge’

For example: fudge, bridge, edge, judge.

But if a long vowel or a consonant is followed by /j/ sound, we write ‘ge’

For example: huge, cage, change, large.

9. Rabbit Rule :

When a word has two syllables, and you hear a short sound in the first syllable, focus on the sound after the vowel. If the short sound in the first syllable is followed by a consonant sound, and is followed by another vowel, we double the consonant.

For example: Kitten, puppet, gossip, tennis, summer .

10. Drop the final “e” rule:

When adding a suffix that begins with a vowel to a word that ends in a silent “e,” drop the “e” before adding the suffix. 

For example: “hope” becomes “hoping” , “write” becomes “writing” and “love” becomes “loving”

11. Doubling consonants: 

When adding a suffix to a word that ends in a single vowel followed by a single consonant, double the final consonant if both of the following conditions are met: the word ends in a single consonant preceded by a single vowel, and the accent is on the final syllable. 

For example, “hop” becomes “hopping” and “run” becomes “running.”

12. Silent consonants: 

Some words have silent letters that are not pronounced but affect the spelling. 

For example : the “k” in “knight” and the “b” in “doubt” and the “w” in “wrong”

13. Soft sounds of letters ‘c’ and ‘g’:

When the letter c  is followed by the vowels e, i, or y, it usually makes its soft sound. 

For example: city, cent, circus, rice, princess. 

Similarly, when the letter g is followed by the vowels e, i, or y, it usually makes its soft sound. For example:  gel, giant, gym, cage, giraffe. 

14. The Bossy R:

When a vowel is followed by the letter “r,” it is often controlled by the “r” and does not make its regular sound.

For example: park, hurt, shirt, letter, curve, dirt.

15. The “Schwa” sound: 

The schwa is a short, unstressed vowel sound. It is often spelled with the letter “a” in unstressed syllables. The schwa sound can be spelled with any vowel letter in English, which can make it challenging to recognize and pronounce. However, being aware of the schwa sound and its common spellings can help improve children’s  understanding of English words.

For example: sofa, class, banana, elephant  comma.

Understanding these phonics spelling rules can enhance a child’s ability to decode and spell words, thereby improving his reading and writing skills. These rules serve as guidelines for spelling the words correctly. Thus, by remembering these spelling rules, children can boost their spelling confidence and enhance their writing. Skills.

Shape Your Kid's Future with Bambinos Classes | Bambinos.live India's No. 1 English Communication Platform For Kids | Book a Free Class Now

Phonics classes | Public Speaking Classes | Creative writing classes | Bhagavad gita classes

Article Author

Author image
Ashita Gunjikar

Ashita Gunjikar is an M.Tech graduate, a dynamic educator with over 8 years of teaching experience. She is passionate about writing and content creation.She has received awards like 'Best Mentor' , 'Wow Teacher' and 'Educator of the month' for her great work in education. She has a unique way of making even the most complex topics easy to understand. Her ability to bring fun and excitement to each session is remarkable.

Discover a wonder-filled world of children's activities near you! Check our online classes.
Similar Posts
The do’s and dont’s during your childs early education
The do’s and dont’s during your childs early education
May 15, 2020 5 min read
Why do you need to focus on child fitness?
Why do you need to focus on child fitness?
May 16, 2020 5 min read
How parents can help boost their child’s personality development?
How parents can help boost their child’s personality development?
May 28, 2020 5 min read
How can personality development classes benefit teenagers?
How can personality development classes benefit teenagers?
Jun 05, 2020 5 min read
Multiple Intelligences - Explore and Discover the Learning Style of Your Child
Multiple Intelligences - Explore and Discover the Learning Style of Your Child
Aug 21, 2020 5 min read
5 Benefits of Bambinos Phonics Course For 4–7-Year-Old
5 Benefits of Bambinos Phonics Course For 4–7-Year-Old
Jan 13, 2024 5 min read
10 Good habits and values every parent must teach their child
10 Good habits and values every parent must teach their child
Jan 24, 2024 5 min read
30 Positive Thoughts for the Day to Inspire your Kids to go to School
30 Positive Thoughts for the Day to Inspire your Kids to go to School
Jan 24, 2024 5 min read
Best books for english speaking | Learn English  | Improve English
Best books for english speaking | Learn English | Improve English
Jan 25, 2024 5 min read
10 Tips to improve public speaking skills in children
10 Tips to improve public speaking skills in children
Feb 08, 2024 5 min read
20 Short Moral Stories for kids in English | Valuable Lessons
20 Short Moral Stories for kids in English | Valuable Lessons
Feb 10, 2024 5 min read
Listen Your Way to English Proficiency: Mastering the Art of Listening
Listen Your Way to English Proficiency: Mastering the Art of Listening
Feb 13, 2024 5 min read
10 Must Read Classics For Your Child
10 Must Read Classics For Your Child
Feb 13, 2024 5 min read
Best TV shows that you can watch along with your child
Best TV shows that you can watch along with your child
Feb 14, 2024 5 min read
7 Best Extracurricular Activities for your Children
7 Best Extracurricular Activities for your Children
Feb 17, 2024 5 min read
How To Help A Child With Exam Stress | A Parents Guide
How To Help A Child With Exam Stress | A Parents Guide
Feb 17, 2024 5 min read
10 Personality Development Tips for Kids
10 Personality Development Tips for Kids
Feb 17, 2024 5 min read
CBSE vs ICSE vs IB - What are the differences and which is the best choice for your child
CBSE vs ICSE vs IB - What are the differences and which is the best choice for your child
Feb 22, 2024 5 min read
7 Ways Teach Self-Discipline Skills to kids
7 Ways Teach Self-Discipline Skills to kids
Feb 22, 2024 5 min read
Top 10 schools for children in Delhi/NCR
Top 10 schools for children in Delhi/NCR
Feb 23, 2024 5 min read
Breaking Down Barriers: The Importance of English as a Global Language
Breaking Down Barriers: The Importance of English as a Global Language
Feb 23, 2024 5 min read
10 Influencers Making a Difference With Their Parenting Tips
10 Influencers Making a Difference With Their Parenting Tips
Feb 24, 2024 5 min read
5 Ways to Deal with a Stubborn Kid
5 Ways to Deal with a Stubborn Kid
Feb 27, 2024 5 min read
Adventure Learning: Fun STEM based activities for children
Adventure Learning: Fun STEM based activities for children
Feb 28, 2024 5 min read
Prevent Your Child’s Mobile Addiction
Prevent Your Child’s Mobile Addiction
Feb 28, 2024 5 min read
What Difference a Father Makes: Importance of Equal Parenting
What Difference a Father Makes: Importance of Equal Parenting
Feb 29, 2024 5 min read
Colourful Holi Activities for Kids
Colourful Holi Activities for Kids
Mar 05, 2024 5 min read
Develop Positive Habits: Build a Healthy Lifestyle for Your Kids
Develop Positive Habits: Build a Healthy Lifestyle for Your Kids
Mar 05, 2024 5 min read
Easy Ways to Teach Consonant Blends, Digraphs and Trigraphs
Easy Ways to Teach Consonant Blends, Digraphs and Trigraphs
Mar 14, 2024 5 min read
Homeschooling Tips For Working Parents
Homeschooling Tips For Working Parents
Mar 15, 2024 5 min read
Making Verbs Easy for kids: Exploring the Action Words
Making Verbs Easy for kids: Exploring the Action Words
Mar 16, 2024 5 min read
Educational Pathways in India: Traditional, Homeschooling, and Unschooling
Educational Pathways in India: Traditional, Homeschooling, and Unschooling
Mar 28, 2024 5 min read
Opinion Writing Made Easy: Engaging Strategies for Elementary Students
Opinion Writing Made Easy: Engaging Strategies for Elementary Students
Mar 28, 2024 5 min read
Mothers Day Speech
Mothers Day Speech
Mar 29, 2024 5 min read
Impact of the Reducing Green Cover of Earth
Impact of the Reducing Green Cover of Earth
Apr 01, 2024 5 min read
With AI Taking Over Technology Learning English Remains a Key step
With AI Taking Over Technology Learning English Remains a Key step
Apr 02, 2024 5 min read
Why is Bambinos the perfect public speaking learning platform for your kid
Why is Bambinos the perfect public speaking learning platform for your kid
Apr 09, 2024 5 min read
Top 15 Spoken English Books to Enhance Your Fluency
Top 15 Spoken English Books to Enhance Your Fluency
Apr 17, 2024 5 min read
100+ Public Speaking Topics and Ideas
100+ Public Speaking Topics and Ideas
Apr 18, 2024 5 min read
Role of Parents in Child's Development
Role of Parents in Child's Development
Apr 19, 2024 5 min read
Top 110+ Easy English Speech Topics for Students
Top 110+ Easy English Speech Topics for Students
Apr 25, 2024 5 min read
AI in Education: The Advantages and Disadvantages
AI in Education: The Advantages and Disadvantages
Apr 25, 2024 5 min read
Farewell Speech for Colleague
Farewell Speech for Colleague
Apr 29, 2024 5 min read
How to Write Alphabets in Cursive: Step-by-step Guide for Kids
How to Write Alphabets in Cursive: Step-by-step Guide for Kids
May 24, 2024 5 min read
Best Inspirational Quotes About Parenthood
Best Inspirational Quotes About Parenthood
May 28, 2024 5 min read
How to Improve Handwriting: 10 Effective Tips for Parents
How to Improve Handwriting: 10 Effective Tips for Parents
May 28, 2024 5 min read
30 Best Thank You Note for Teachers
30 Best Thank You Note for Teachers
May 28, 2024 5 min read
10 Free Online Classic Storybooks for Kids
10 Free Online Classic Storybooks for Kids
May 29, 2024 5 min read
25 Powerful Education Quotes for Kids
25 Powerful Education Quotes for Kids
May 29, 2024 5 min read
50 Interesting Debate Topics for Kids of All Ages & Grades
50 Interesting Debate Topics for Kids of All Ages & Grades
May 30, 2024 5 min read
How to Be a Good Debater - Complete Guide to Debating
How to Be a Good Debater - Complete Guide to Debating
Jun 27, 2024 5 min read
Living Things & Non-Living Things – Definition, Examples, And Characteristics
Living Things & Non-Living Things – Definition, Examples, And Characteristics
Jul 03, 2024 5 min read
Best Online Coding Classes for Kids
Best Online Coding Classes for Kids
Jul 11, 2024 5 min read
Acing Fluency - How to Speak in English on Any Topic Effortlessly
Acing Fluency - How to Speak in English on Any Topic Effortlessly
Jul 12, 2024 5 min read
List of Best Companies Teaching Kids English Phonics Skills in India
List of Best Companies Teaching Kids English Phonics Skills in India
Jul 13, 2024 5 min read
Overcoming Stage Fright: Tips and Tricks for Confident Public Speaking
Overcoming Stage Fright: Tips and Tricks for Confident Public Speaking
Jul 16, 2024 5 min read
Fantastic Novels to Enhance English from Beginner to Advanced
Fantastic Novels to Enhance English from Beginner to Advanced
Jul 21, 2024 5 min read
Descriptive Words: Everyday words for Kids to learn
Descriptive Words: Everyday words for Kids to learn
Jul 23, 2024 5 min read
Essay On Earth – 10 Lines, Short And Long Essay For Kids
Essay On Earth – 10 Lines, Short And Long Essay For Kids
Jul 27, 2024 5 min read
Why is Body Language Important in Communication Skills?
Why is Body Language Important in Communication Skills?
Jul 28, 2024 5 min read
Phonics vs. Whole Language – Which is Best for Your Child?
Phonics vs. Whole Language – Which is Best for Your Child?
Aug 06, 2024 5 min read
Common Mistakes Parents Make When Teaching Spoken English to Kids
Common Mistakes Parents Make When Teaching Spoken English to Kids
Aug 07, 2024 5 min read
How to Encourage Your Child to Write from the Heart
How to Encourage Your Child to Write from the Heart
Aug 08, 2024 5 min read
How to Create an English-Speaking Environment at Home
How to Create an English-Speaking Environment at Home
Aug 13, 2024 5 min read
The Connection Between Public Speaking and Leadership Skills in Kids
The Connection Between Public Speaking and Leadership Skills in Kids
Aug 15, 2024 5 min read
The Connection between Math and Real-Life Problem-Solving
The Connection between Math and Real-Life Problem-Solving
Aug 18, 2024 5 min read
How to make writing fun for your children
How to make writing fun for your children
Aug 25, 2024 5 min read
10 Key Benefits of Phonics Instruction for Young Readers
10 Key Benefits of Phonics Instruction for Young Readers
Aug 28, 2024 5 min read
How to Choose the Right Phonics Program for Your Child
How to Choose the Right Phonics Program for Your Child
Aug 28, 2024 5 min read
15 Fun Social Emotional Activities for Preschool & Kindergarten
15 Fun Social Emotional Activities for Preschool & Kindergarten
Sep 05, 2024 5 min read
15 Best Funny Math Memes for Kids: Adding Humor to Math
15 Best Funny Math Memes for Kids: Adding Humor to Math
Sep 06, 2024 5 min read
How to Teach Long Division to Kids in 6 Easy Steps
How to Teach Long Division to Kids in 6 Easy Steps
Sep 16, 2024 5 min read
How to Teach Division to Kids in 11 Easy Steps
How to Teach Division to Kids in 11 Easy Steps
Sep 18, 2024 5 min read
8 Math Division Tricks: Making Division Fun & Accessible
8 Math Division Tricks: Making Division Fun & Accessible
Sep 19, 2024 5 min read
How to Encourage Your Child to Write with Imagination
How to Encourage Your Child to Write with Imagination
Sep 21, 2024 5 min read
30 Best Multiplication Tricks to Solve Complex Math Problems
30 Best Multiplication Tricks to Solve Complex Math Problems
Sep 23, 2024 5 min read
10 Best Boarding Schools in the USA
10 Best Boarding Schools in the USA
Sep 30, 2024 5 min read
How to Teach Number Recognition to Kids in 10 Easy Steps
How to Teach Number Recognition to Kids in 10 Easy Steps
Oct 21, 2024 5 min read
Simple & Stress-Free After School: Schedule for Kids of All Ages
Simple & Stress-Free After School: Schedule for Kids of All Ages
Oct 29, 2024 5 min read
Water Pollution Essay: Causes, Effects and Solutions
Water Pollution Essay: Causes, Effects and Solutions
Nov 06, 2024 5 min read
Mastering Dialogue Writing in English: Tips and Techniques
Mastering Dialogue Writing in English: Tips and Techniques
Nov 07, 2024 5 min read
Learn with a Phonics Sound Chart: Pronunciation Guide for Young Learners
Learn with a Phonics Sound Chart: Pronunciation Guide for Young Learners
Nov 12, 2024 5 min read
How to Overcome Public Speaking Fear in Children
How to Overcome Public Speaking Fear in Children
Nov 13, 2024 5 min read
Fruits Name in English: Fun Examples for Kids to Learn!
Fruits Name in English: Fun Examples for Kids to Learn!
Nov 18, 2024 5 min read
Makar Sankranti Essay: Celebrating the Festival of Harvest
Makar Sankranti Essay: Celebrating the Festival of Harvest
Nov 18, 2024 5 min read
Acknowledgment for Assignment: Format, Samples, and Tips!
Acknowledgment for Assignment: Format, Samples, and Tips!
Nov 25, 2024 5 min read
Learn English for Kids with Bambinos - A Comprehensive Approach
Learn English for Kids with Bambinos - A Comprehensive Approach
Nov 27, 2024 5 min read
How to Choose Age-Appropriate Books for Young Readers
How to Choose Age-Appropriate Books for Young Readers
Dec 07, 2024 5 min read
10 Fun Ways For Parents to Boost their Kids Vocabulary At Home
10 Fun Ways For Parents to Boost their Kids Vocabulary At Home
Dec 09, 2024 5 min read
The Role of Public Speaking Classes in Enhancing Spoken English Skills
The Role of Public Speaking Classes in Enhancing Spoken English Skills
Dec 10, 2024 5 min read
The Role of Phonics in Building a Robust Vocabulary for Young Learners
The Role of Phonics in Building a Robust Vocabulary for Young Learners
Dec 13, 2024 5 min read
Akaay (Virushka's son) Meaning: Connection to Hinduism
Akaay (Virushka's son) Meaning: Connection to Hinduism
Dec 14, 2024 5 min read
How Math Classes at Bambinos.live Turn Numbers into Fun
How Math Classes at Bambinos.live Turn Numbers into Fun
Dec 17, 2024 5 min read
Breaking Down Big Numbers: How to Tackle Complex Math Problems with Confidence
Breaking Down Big Numbers: How to Tackle Complex Math Problems with Confidence
Dec 20, 2024 5 min read
Discover a wonder-filled world of children's activities near you! Check our online classes.