Shortly after students learn the letters and sounds of the alphabet we teach them that the vowels and several consonants actually have two sounds. The consonants “c” and “g” are two of the letters that make different sounds depending on the letters that follow them in the word. The most common sound for the “g” is the “hard” sound as in the word “goat”. However, if the “g” is followed by an i, e or y it makes the “soft” /j/ sound as in the word “giraffe”. Word sorting activities are very helpful when introducing a new phonics concept. Using sorting activities, students are able to tell when a certain rule either does and does not apply. I created these file folder word sorts for nearly all phonics concepts to when introducing or practicing a particular skill. Simply print the templates and adhere to a file folder. Then laminate- you’ll have an activity that will last for years!
The Hard and Soft Sounds of G Word Sort activity is available in my online Teachers Pay Teachers store or through the Make, Take & Teach website.
Just as the “g” can make a hard and soft sound depending upon the letters that follow, the “c” is exactly the same way. The “hard c” as in the word “cat” is the most common pronunciation. The “c” makes a soft /s/ sound when it is followed by the letters i, e or y. Again, word sorting activities are perfect for introducing and practicing this phonics concept.
The Hard and Soft Sounds of C Word Sort is also available in my TpT store or through the Make, Take & Teach website.
For teaching purposes, I placed the rule right on the font of the folder.
If you’d rather use templates than the file folder system, you may be interested in the Soft and Hard “C” and “G” Sorting Activity. Using the templates in during small group instruction would be helpful as the pictures are larger. The file folders are perfect for independent practice during centers!
You can find the Soft and Hard C and G Sorting Activity in my TpT store or through the Make, Take & Teach website too!
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