Decoding the Sounds of the Letter Y

Jul 23, 2023

3 min read

The letter y makes many different sounds. As a consonant, y makes the /y/ sound. The letter y can also make vowel sounds. In fact, the letter y makes vowel sounds much more often than it makes its consonant sound.

Introducing the Sounds of the Letter Y

You can review the consonant sound of the letter y here. 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.

words with the consonant sound of the letter y

The letter y can also make the long /e/ sound at the end of multisyllabic words. Notice the letter making the long /e/ sound at the end of each word below.

words with the long e sound of the letter y

The letter y can also make the long /i/ sound at the end of one-syllable words. Notice the letter making the long /i/ sound at the end of each word below.

words with the long i sound of the letter y

The letter y can also make the long /i/ sound within words. Notice the letter making the long /i/ sound in each word below.

words with the long i sound of the letter y within words

The letter y can also make the short /i/ sound within words. These words often have a Greek origin. Notice the letter making the short /i/ sound in each word below.

words with the short i sound of. the letter y

Practice the Sounds of the Letter Y

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 sounds of the letter y. 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.

Video Guidance

Check out our video on the sounds of the letter y.

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.