Decoding the Soft C Sound

Jul 23, 2023

3 min read

The most common sound of the letter c is the /k/ sound. The letter c also makes the /s/ sound. The cat and kite rule is a helpful way to remember the most likely sound of the letter c in a word.

CAT – The letter c usually makes the /k/ sound when it comes before a, o, or u.

KITE – The letter k usually makes the /k/ sound when it comes before i, e, or y.

Since k makes the /k/ sound before i, e, and y, when c comes before these letters, it usually makes the /s/ sound.

Introducing the Soft C Sound

Look at the pictures below. Point to the letter making the /s/ sound in each picture. The goal of this activity is to help the nonreader make the connection between the letter and the sound it makes. A reader will need to read the word to the nonreader. More examples are in our Learning to Read workbook.

We can make the /s/ sound at the end of a word with ce. The letter c makes the /s/ sound and the e is silent. Look at the pictures below. Point to the letters making the /s/ sound at the end of each word.

Practicing the Soft C 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 soft c 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 soft c 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 soft c 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.