Decoding the ER Sound

Jul 29, 2023

3 min read

The letters er are the most common way to make the /er/ sound. They account for about 77% of words with the /er/ sound.

Introducing the ER Sound

Look at the pictures below. Pay attention to the letters making the /er/ sound in each word.

The letters ir can also make the /er/ sound.

Look at the pictures below. Notice the letters making the /er/ sound in each word.

The letters ur can also make the /er/ sound.

Look at the pictures below. Notice the letters making the /er/ sound.

There are some other letters that can make the /er/ sound in words.

OR – The letters or can make the /er/ sound. However, the /or/ sound is a much more common sound for the letters or. If you are unsure which sound the letters are making, try both and listen for which sound makes a word.

AR – The letters ar can make the /er/ sound. This is not a common spelling of the /er/ sound.

EAR – The letters ear can make the /er/ sound. This is not a common spelling of the /er/ sound.

OUR – The letters our can make the /er/ sound. This is not a common spelling of the /er/ sound.

Look at the pictures below. Notice the letters making the /er/ sound in each word.

Practice the ER 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 /er/ 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 /er/ 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 on the /er/ 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.