Defender D!

Teaching the “Defender D” rule is super fun! Oh so many phonics rules to remember. From remembering that vowels have two sounds to the more advanced rules- WOW! It’s quite a bit for our little readers and writers. As we teach the rules, it’s always helpful to incorporate visuals and stories. It gives our students something to anchor to when coming across a word in text or when trying to correctly spell the word when writing.

After students understand the magic e rule (the “e” at the end of a one-syllable word makes the vowel long), we introduce an exception to that rule. When a word ends in “dge”, the “d” stops the “e” from making the vowel say its name. The “d” “defends” the vowel and keeps it safe! Just think of all the fun you can have introducing this concept in your classroom. If you’d like to download the free poster just click the link below.

Defender D Free Poster Download

To download this FREE poster just click the following link: Defender D Poster

Word Sorting DGE Activity

Word sorting activities are always great when introducing a phonics concept. Students are able to work with words where the rule applies and does not apply. They also receive practice in reading words containing the rule. Assembling the file folder word sort activity for Defender D is super easy. Just print the templates on office paper, adhere to a file folder and laminate. I print the words on card stock so they are a little sturdier, but that is totally up to you. This activity will last for years!