Long I Vowel Sound Games for 1st Graders

The High and Mighty ‘I’

Vowels may make every word complete, but they also stir up quite a bit of commotion. Their moods and positions change the way they sound constantly. But that is the playfulness of the letters. If we can bring the same playfulness to learning with our kids, everyone is sure to have an amazing time.

Exploring I Sounds

By first grade, your kids should be able to read simple CVC words using the short vowel sound. You should also have managed to introduce the basics of long vowel sounds to them. We can now start using different rules to practice the long ‘I’ sound in words.

• The first stage is simple two-letter words. The long ‘I’ sound is noticed in words ending with the letter ‘I,’ like hi, and in ‘y,’ like my and by. You can practice these simple words with your child and ask them to listen carefully for the long ‘I’ sound. Remind children that the same ‘y’ rule can also apply with larger words ending in ‘y’ like reply and comply.

• The most popular among all rules is the magic E. It appears with almost every short vowel sound and changes it to the long sound. Several online games can help practice the long ‘I’ sound and magic E.

• The ‘nd’ group is another one that changes the sound to the long one. Take the words kind, find, and behind, for instance. To teach this rule, you will also need to bring in the combined ‘nd’ blend so children can relate the sound and apply the rule when they hear it. You might want to take your time here.

• You will need to teach your kids the ‘igh’ sound before you get to this rule. Words like light, fight, and bright make the ‘I’ sound long when it precedes them. Games are a good practice exercise to cement this rule.

• The final group of vowels that changes the sound is the ‘ie’ combination. Words like cried, tried, and pie have a long ‘I’ sound. You can play the ‘ie’ word with them. Form simple words that may have no meaning, and ask your child to make them using the ‘ie’ sound. Pie, die, lie are just some examples you can use.

‘My’ Learner and ‘I’

There are general indications of the rules that work better with kids and ones that are harder. However, let your child pick the ones that feel more comfortable to them. Avoid confusing them with too many rules introduced too quickly. Let them, instead, spend their time experimenting and playing with them longer.

SplashLearn makes ‘I’ sounds delightful using online games that are educational and entertaining. With both accomplished in one stroke, is anyone complaining?

Is there something we missed out? Write to us at [email protected] with your feedback and comments. We love to hear from you and improve the learning experience for your kids.