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Long Vowel Words with 'ey' Making the Long A Sound (/eɪ/)

Learning to spell words with various long vowel patterns is a crucial step in developing strong literacy skills. The 'ey' spelling pattern, which creates the long A sound (/eɪ/), appears in many common English words and is an important phonics pattern for students to master.

Word List with 'ey' Making the Long A Sound

Here are common words that use the 'ey' spelling pattern to create the long A sound:

  • key
  • donkey
  • chimney
  • alley
  • valley
  • hockey
  • jockey
  • hey
  • prey
  • grey
  • whey
  • obey
  • convey

Understanding the 'ey' Pattern

The 'ey' spelling pattern typically appears at the end of words and produces the same sound as the long A we hear in words like "day" and "play." This pattern is particularly interesting because it often appears in two-syllable words, helping students expand their vocabulary while learning consistent spelling patterns.

Alignment with Common Core Standards

These words align with several Common Core Standards, particularly in the early elementary grades where students are developing their understanding of spelling patterns and conventions. The most relevant standards include:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.2.D: "Generalize learned spelling patterns when writing words"
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2.F: "Use spelling patterns and generalizations in writing words"

These standards are particularly relevant because they focus on the ability to recognize and apply spelling patterns consistently. The 'ey' pattern is a perfect example of a generalizable spelling rule that students can learn and apply to both reading and writing tasks.

Teaching Strategies for 'ey' Words

Teaching these words effectively involves helping students recognize the pattern and understand when it appears in words. Students should practice reading these words in context and writing them in sentences to reinforce both spelling and meaning. Many of these words, such as "hockey," "donkey," and "valley," are concrete nouns that can be easily illustrated, making them excellent choices for vocabulary development alongside spelling instruction.

Practice Activities

To master these spelling words, students can: 1. Sort words by syllable count 2. Create sentences using multiple 'ey' words 3. Draw pictures to illustrate the meanings 4. Practice writing the words in different contexts 5. Create word families with similar patterns

Create a worksheet using words from this list

Additional Resources

Looking for more ways to practice these words? Consider creating custom worksheets that combine these words with other long vowel patterns, or focus specifically on the 'ey' pattern with activities like word searches, fill-in-the-blank exercises, and spelling tests.

Remember that consistent practice with these words will help students internalize the spelling pattern and apply it confidently in their writing.