Decoding the Long I Sound

Jul 29, 2023

4 min read

We already know that the letter i can make the long /i/ sound in open syllables. The letter i spells the long /i/ sound in about 37% of words.

Introducing the Long I Sound

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

We also know VCE syllables can make the long /i/ sound. VCE syllables make the long /i/ sound in about 37% of words.

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

The letters igh can also make the long /i/ sound. The letters igh are considered a vowel team. They make the long /i/ sound in about 6% of words.

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

The letters ie make a vowel team that can also make the long /i/ sound. Remember, the letters ie can also make the long /e/ sound. This is not a common spelling of the long /i/ sound.

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

the vowel team ie can make the long i sound

The letter y can make the long /i/ sound at the end of words. It usually makes the long /i/ sound at the end of one-syllable words. You can think of a CRY BABY to remember that the letter y usually makes the long /i/ sound at the end of one-syllable words and the long /e/ sound at the end of multisyllabic words.

The letter y makes the long /i/ sound in about 14% of words.

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

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

Y_E – The VCE syllable with y-consonant-e makes the long /i/ sound. The letter y can act as a long /i/ in words.

OLD WILD WORDS – Old wild words are words left over from Anglo-Saxon times from about 400 to 1000 CE. They are sometimes called word fossils. These words look like they have closed syllables, but have the long /o/ or long /i/ sounds.

EIGH – Height is the only word I have found with eigh making the long /i/ sound. If you find more, let me know!

Practicing the Long I 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 /i/ 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 /i/ 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 /i/ 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.