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Decoding the Short U Sound

Jul 30, 2023

3 min read

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


Introducing the Short U Sound

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

words with the initial short u sound

words with medial short u sound



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


OU – The letters ou can make the short /u/ sound. We often see this sound at the end of words making the /us/ sound spelled ous.


O – The letter o can make the short /u/ sound. This usually happens when it comes before n, v, or th.


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


irregular spellings of the short u sound



Practice the Short 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 short /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.

reading words with the short u sound


Writing Practice

You can also practice writing words with the short /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 about the short /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!


reading 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.


Learning to Decode Scope and Sequence

Letter S

Letter A

Letter T

Letter P

Letter M

Letter D

Letter E

Letter C

Letter H

Letter R

Letter I

Letter N

Letter B

Letter F

Letter G

Letter K

Letter J

Letter O

Letter L

Letter U

Digraph CK

Digraph SH

Letter V

Letter W

Digraph CH

Letter Y

Letter Z

Unvoiced TH

Voiced TH

Letter X

Trigraph TCH

Trigraph DGE

Long A VCE Syllable

Sounds of the Letter Y

Soft C Sound

Soft G Sound

Long E VCE Syllable

Long I VCE Syllable

Long O VCE Syllable

Long U VCE Syllable

Open Syllables

The /F/ Sound

Consonant + LE Syllable

Long A Sound

AR Sound

Long O Sound

OR Sound

Long E Sound

ER Sound

Long I Sound

Long U Sound

S, SS, ES, and SE at the End of Words

Long OO Sound

Short OO Sound

V Sound at the End of Words

Short A Sound

Short E Sound

Sounds of WH

Short I Sound

NG Sound

Short O Sound

Short U Sound

OI Sound

N Sound

AW Sound

M Sound

OW Sound

K Sound

Schwa Sound

R Sound

AIR Sound

T Sound

EER Sound

L Sound

S Sound

W Sound

Silent L

CH Sound

SH Sound

Z Sound

ZH Sound



decoding the short u sound

Jul 30, 2023

3 min read

0

1

0

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