Decoding the Short O Sound

Jul 29, 2023

3 min read

We already know the letter o can make the short /o/ sound in a closed syllable.

Introducing the Short O Sound

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

Other letters can make the short /o/ sound too, but these spellings are less common.

WA – When the letter a comes after w, it usually makes the short /o/ sound.

QUA – When the letter a comes after qu, it can make the short /o/ sound.

A(L) – When it comes before the letter l, the letter a usually makes the short /o/ sound. Sometimes we hear the the letter l and sometimes we don’t. The letter k is very bossy, and it will often make the letter l before it silent as in the words walk or talk.

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

irregular spellings of the short o sound

Practice the Short O 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 /o/ 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 /o/ 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 /o/ 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.