From Short A to Silent E: How to Teach Phonics Step-by-Step
Teaching a child to read doesn’t start with whole books—it starts with sounds, patterns, and structure. When phonics instruction follows a clear, research-based sequence, kids build confidence, fluency, and real decoding power.
At BrainySheets, we follow a proven order for teaching phonics. Here’s how you can do it too—step by step.
Step 1: Master the Short Vowel CVC Words
Start with consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words using short vowels. These are simple, regular words like:
cat, bed, hop, sun, pig
This stage builds a foundation in letter-sound correspondence and helps children practice blending and segmenting sounds. Focus on one vowel at a time and give lots of repetition.
Step 2: Add Beginning Blends and Digraphs
Once CVC words are solid, introduce beginning blends like:
bl, st, gr, pl, sn
And digraphs like:
sh, ch, th, wh
These clusters are trickier, so it’s important to teach them explicitly and provide practice in reading words like ship, stop, glad, chip.
Step 3: Explore Ending Blends
Now it’s time to tackle words with ending blends, such as:
jump, hand, task, milk, raft
This helps kids hear and read multi-sound endings, expanding their decoding skills and spelling awareness.
Step 4: Teach Silent E (CVCe Words)
Next, move into silent E or magic E words like:
cake, bike, hope, cube
These words shift the vowel sound from short to long and are often a breakthrough moment for young readers. Start with one vowel at a time (like a-e) before mixing patterns.
Step 5: Introduce Vowel Teams
Once silent E is mastered, begin teaching vowel teams that represent long vowel sounds, such as:
ai, ay, ea, ee, oa, ow, ie, igh
These patterns require repeated exposure and lots of decoding practice. They prepare students for more complex, multi-syllable words down the road.
Step 6: Apply and Spiral
Phonics isn’t linear—it’s a cycle. As you move forward, continue reviewing earlier skills, and apply them to real reading. Use decodable texts, targeted comprehension, and structured coaching prompts to reinforce every skill in context.
Why This Sequence Matters
Following a systematic order:
✔️ Reduces confusion
✔️ Supports struggling readers
✔️ Builds confidence
✔️ Matches how the brain learns to read
This is the foundation of the BrainySheets method: step-by-step, skill-aligned phonics that leads to real, joyful reading success.
