A simple routine to help learners blend sounds smoothly when reading CVC words.

How it helps: Blending supports decoding and reduces guessing by training the brain to connect sounds into a word.

Materials:

• A pencil or your finger
• A short list of CVC words (for example: mat, sit, sun)

Try it:

Step 1: Tap each sound. Point to each letter and say the sound: /m/ /a/ /t/.

Step 2: Slide and blend. Sweep your finger under the word as you blend: “mmmm-aaaat.”

Step 3: Say it fast. Say the whole word: “mat.”

Step 4: Use it in a sentence. Say one sentence together: “I see a mat.”

Beginner

Start with just two sounds (like “me,” “my”) or blend only the first two sounds, then add the last.

Challenge

Mix in a few real and silly words and ask, “Is this a real word?” Then have them read it anyway for practice.

Share with the community

Post one word your learner blended smoothly today, and one word that felt tricky. We can help you choose what to practice next.

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