Try the Other Vowel
Read each word both ways: with the first vowel long, then short. Circle the way that makes a real word you know.
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This is sheet #174624601.
How to do it
- Read each word with the first vowel long.
- Read it again with the first vowel short.
- Circle the way that makes a real word.
Teaching tip
Say both versions out loud. Hearing the real word is the point.
About this worksheet
Two-syllable words like ro|bot and cab|in, shown split both ways, to read and pick the real word. Fewer has 8, Standard has 10 and More has 12. Includes an answer key.
What kids practice
These are supports for kids who work hard to read words accurately and smoothly. By 4th grade, texts are full of long words, and kids are expected to read more on their own. These sheets give a plan for tricky words, practice with two habits that trip readers up (picking the right vowel sound and reading all the way to the end of a word), scaffolded passages with long words already split, and logs for shared reading and audiobooks so kids keep enjoying books while their decoding catches up. The print is large with extra spacing. These sheets can help many children, with or without dyslexia. They are not a test and not a diagnosis. If reading worries you, talk with your child's teacher or doctor about an evaluation.
Watch for
- Guessing a long word from its first letters instead of reading every part.
- Sticking with the first vowel sound even when the word doesn't sound real.
- Dropping or changing word endings, like reading walked as walking.
- Pushing through long reading sessions without breaks.
- Treating slow reading as not trying. Decoding takes real effort.
It's free to print, with Fewer, Standard or More on the page and an answer key. See the full reading helpers (dyslexia-friendly) guide for 4th grade.
More sheets in this set
1. Stuck on a WordTwo cut-out bookmarks with seven steps for tricky words, from looking for parts you know to reading on and asking for help.
3. Check the EndingSentences with near-miss choices like walked, walking and walks to pick from. Fewer has 6, Standard has 7 and More has 8. Includes an answer key.
4. Long Words MarkedA short large-print story with its long words split into syllables, shaded lines to keep your place and three questions. New sheet changes the story. Includes an answer key.
5. Read With Me LogThree ways to read with someone, plus a log for the date, what you read, how you read it and for how long.
6. Listen and Follow LogTips for reading along with an audiobook, plus a log for the date, book, minutes, following along and reading a part yourself.
7. Reading Guide StripsSix cut-out reading guides in different colors, three with a window to cut out and three with an edge to line up under the words.
8. What Helps Me ReadA checklist of reading supports like bigger print, audiobooks and extra time, plus space to tell a teacher what helps.