Students are constantly working on mastering CVCe words, so it’s important to frequently do silent e activities. I have done a lot of different activities, but I always end up back at my favorite one, which I’m sharing below. I find a variety of silent e activities to be highly beneficial for students, but this activity has the best value!
Say it, Switch it with Silent E
Some word work activities just stick with us, more than others, and that is Say It, Switch It with Silent e for me. I find myself always coming back to it! I like it because it can be built upon, as students make progress. But, it can also just be a very simple way to practice Silent e words.
Say It, Switch It Directions:
- Say a CVC word.
- Students write or make that word.
- Then using the same CVC word, make it into a CVCe word. State that word that you switched it to.
- Students then add silent e to the end of the word. They read the word.
- Then the student lifts up the e, reads the CVC word again, places down the e, and reads the CVCe word, again.
- Repeat these same steps, beginning with a new CVC word.
How to advance the activity:
- You can say the sounds of the CVC word, and have students figure out the word, as well as how to write it/make the word.
- Switch the word family, each time you do the CVC word, so students practice with different vowels/consonants.
- Have students write the words in sentences, if they’re real words.
Silent E in Context
Now that you’ve given students the chance to practice silent e words in isolation, it’s time to practice reading silent e in context. Being able to read CVCe words in isolation is important. It’s also critical to make sure readers apply their knowledge of the phonics patterns, within sentences, and stories.
I love using my phonics passages to help readers apply what they’ve learned about various phonics patterns. It builds their confidence to read these silent e words in context. Also it strengthens their decoding skills, overall.
Check out all my videos below to see how you can use dry erase sleeves, mini erasers, or fun markers. Each of these materials are used to deepen the learning of each reader, as they focus on Silent e in context, with my CVCe passages!
If you’re in need of passages for other phonics concepts as well, my bundle is a great way to address a large variety of phonics patterns, so you can change it up for each small group.
I hope you’re able to use these silent e activities with your readers. If you’d like some more ideas, check out the blog posts below:
