Decoding the Short I Sound

Jul 29, 2023

3 min read

We already know the letter i can make the short /i/ sound in closed syllables.

Introducing the Short I Sound

Look at the pictures below. Pay attention to the letter making the short /i/ sound.

A VCE syllable has a vowel-consonant-silent e. In a VCE syllable, the first vowel makes its long sound.

The letters ive can be a VCE syllable with the long /i/ sound. However, another rule means the letters ive can also have the short /i/ sound. Words in English don’t end with the letter v. So, the letters ve make the /v/ sound at the end of words. The letter i before the letters ve making the /v/ sound can make the short /i/ sound.

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

The letter y can also make the short /i/ sound within closed syllables.

Look at the pictures below. Pay attention to the letter making the short /i/ sound.

There are other letters that can make the short /i/ sound. These are uncommon spellings of the short /i/ sound.

AGE – The letters age can make the /ig/ sound. From my research, words with this spelling pattern tend to come from Middle English.

UI – The letters ui can make the short /i/ sound. This is not a common spelling of the short /i/ sound.

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

Practicing the Short 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 short /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 short /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 about the short /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.