Decoding the Long E Sound

Jul 29, 2023

4 min read

We already know that the letter e makes the long /e/ sound at the end of open syllables. In around 40% of words with the long /e/ sound, the long /e/ sound is spelled with an open syllable.

Introducing the Long E Sound

Look at the pictures below. Pay attention to the letter making the long /e/ sound in each word.

The letter y also makes the long /e/ sound at the end of words. The letter y at the end of words accounts for about 40% of long /e/ sound words.

Look at the pictures below. Notice the letter making the long /e/ sound in each word.

We already know that VCE syllables can make the long /e/ sound. Remember, in a VCE syllable, the first vowel says its name, and the final e is silent.

This is not a very common spelling of the long /e/ sound.

Look at the pictures below. Notice the letters making the long /e/ sound.

Vowel teams can also make the long /e/ sound. The letters ee can make the long /e/ sound.

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

The vowel team ea can also make the long /e/ sound. Unfortunately, there isn’t a rule for which spelling is making the long e sound in the middle of a word. The vowel teams ee and ea account for about 12% of words with the long /e/ sound.

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

The vowel team ea can make the long /e/ sound.

The letters ey can make the long /e/ sound. This spelling pattern is used at the end of words.

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

There are some other vowel teams that can make the long /e/ sound in words.

IE – Using the letters ie to spell the long /e/ sound originally came from French words adopted into the English language. Over the years, it spread to words without a French origin. The vowel team ie is a more common spelling of the long /e/ sound than ei.

EI – The old rule “i before e, except after c” works here sometimes, but not always. This is not a common spelling of the long /e/ sound.

I – The letter i can make the long /e/ sound in words English has borrowed from other languages. The letter i is not considered a vowel team.

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

uncommon vowel teams that make the long /e/ sound

Practicing the Long E 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 long /e/ 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 long /e/ 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 long /e/ 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.