The Long U Sound

Jul 29, 2023

3 min read

There are two sounds considered the long /u/ sound. In this Learning to Read program, we consider the long /u/ sound /yoo/ with the /y/ sound before the long /oo/ sound. The long /oo/ sound is a separate sound. How you say and hear words with these sounds will definitely depend on your accent.

Note – we did not differentiate between the /yoo/ and /oo/ sound for our VCE syllables with the long /u/ sound or our long u open syllables.

We already know that the letter u can make the long /u/ sound in open syllables.

Introducing the Long U Sound

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

the letter u can make the long u sound in open syllables

Some other letters can make the long /u/ sound in words.

VCE Syllable – We can use VCE syllables to make the long /u/ sound. The VCE syllable can also make the long /oo/ sound.

EW – The letters ew can also make the long /u/ sound or the long /oo/ sound.

UE – The letters ue can make the long /u/ sound or the long /oo/ sound.

EU – The letters eu can make the long /u/ sound. They do not make the long /oo/ sound. These words come from Greek roots.

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

Practicing the Long U 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 /u/ 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 /u/ 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 /u/ 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.