Teaching Hard and Soft C and G

Our little first graders will soon be introduced to the two sounds of  “c” and “g”. Teaching Hard and Soft C and G is a bit tricky as they make different sounds depending upon the letter that follows in the word. We typically teach students that the “hard” sounds of “c” and “g” occur most often, but they do need to know when these letters make the “soft” sound.

Teaching Hard and Soft C poster

We tell the students that when the letter “c” is followed by the letters i, e or y, the “c” makes the /s/ sound just like in the words “city”, “cent” and “icy”.

Teaching Hard and Soft G poster

The letter “g” is similar.  When the “g” is followed by an i, e or y it makes the /j/ sound as in “gem”, “gist” or “gym”.  Visuals often help students to remember phonics rules.  You may find these posters helpful when you are teaching this rule.  When you click the link below, you’ll be able to download 6 posters!

Free C & G Poster Download

To download these posters, just click the following link or the picture below: FREE Hard and Soft C & G Poster Sets

Hard Soft C and G tent card

We often reinforce and re-teach phonics rules during small group instruction/intervention.  Tent cards often come in handy.  If you’d like, download this file and just fold the card in half.  It’s perfect for your small group instruction table.

To download this tent card, just click the following link:  Hard and Soft G and C Tent Card

Books for hard & soft consonants

When teaching phonics and spelling rules,  it’s very important the student apply the rules right away in text.  Unfortunately, there aren’t too many books available that target this specific skill, but I did find a few.  You may want to check out these books on Amazon.

Cindy, Cedric, and the Circus, Cat and Dog at the Circus and Giant Giraffes

What are your Hard and Soft C and G teaching tools in the classroom?
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Hope you find the freebies helpful.