Reading Strategy

Follow these steps to read a word.

  • 1 Look for pairs of letters that make a vowel sound.

    illustration of the word toyWhen o and y are next to each other, they combine to make a new sound, like the oy in boy.illustration of the word moonWhen o and o are next to each other, they combine to make a new sound. Here they sound like long u.

  • 2 Start at the beginning. Blend the sounds in your head. Then say the word.

    illustration of the consonant and vowel blends for the word toyillustration of the consonant and vowel blends for the word moon

Reading Practice

Use what you learned to read the sentences.

  • 1. My mother is an author. She writes stories for teens.

  • 2. She also draws pictures to go with each story.

  • 3. I enjoy all of Mom’s stories. They are very cool.

  • 4. When she needs a new idea for a story, she goes out.

  • 5. Sometimes I join her. We go to the mall or into town.

  • 6. Mom jots down notes as she watches the crowd.

Spelling Practice

7.–11. Now write the sentences that your teacher reads.

Word Work

12. Write each of these words on a card.

coinnowjoyboiloil
towntoymoistcountpoint
outloudowlclownboy

Then say each word. Sort the words by vowel sound. Make 2 groups. What do you notice about each group?

13. Now make 4 new groups. Put the words with the same vowel sound and spelling together.

    Example

  • 13.

    Use oy to spell the sound at the end of a word. Use oi in the middle.

    Use oy to spell the sound at the end of a word. Use oi in the middle.