The AW Sound

Jul 30, 2023

3 min read

The /aw/ sound is one of those sounds that may sound different to you based on your accent. I hear the /aw/ sound as almost identical to the short /o/ sound. A speech therapist will tell you that the mouth position is different for the /aw/ sound and the short /o/ sound. This learning to read program is focused on getting people to read well as quickly as possible, so don’t worry too much about getting the “right” /aw/ sound, just be consistent.

The letters aw make the /aw/ sound at the end of syllables. They may spell the /aw/ sound in the middle of a syllable if they are followed by the letters l, k, or n as in shawl, hawk, or lawn.

Introducing the AW Sound

Look at the pictures below. Pay attention to the letters making the /aw/ sound.

The letters au can also make the /aw/ sound. The letters au make the /aw/ sound at the beginning or in the middle of a syllable.

Look at the pictures below. Pay attention to the letters making the /aw/ sound.

Practice the AW Sound

The best way we can remember the sounds letters make is to practice. Our Learning to Read workbook has cards you can use to practice with the /aw/ sound. You can also make your own notecards to practice letters and sounds. Just a few minutes of practice a day will make a huge difference!

Reading Words

Congratulations! You can now read more words! You can practice reading the words on the chart.

Writing Practice

You can also practice writing words with the /aw/ sound. Make sure you follow explicit handwriting instructions to ensure you are writing efficiently. Writing efficiently is a huge part of building writing stamina.

Video Guidance

Check out our video about the /aw/ sound!

You can use this video to prepare for a lesson with your student, or your student can work with the video independently.

LEARNING TO DECODE PROGRAM

Take your learning to the next level with our Learning to Read Workbook!

Learning to read is a systematic process that requires explicit instruction. Our learning to read program breaks down every sound students need to know to learn how to read. Every step of the program includes picture examples, sound practice, reading practice, and writing practice.

The best part of the program is that anyone who is a competent reader can help a student through the program. Use our webpages, videos, and the pages in the workbook to guide your student’s learning. Students work through the program at their own pace. This is a perfect supplement to what students are learning in school.