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Open Syllables with 'e' Making the Long /i/ Sound: Comprehensive Word List

Understanding open syllables where 'e' makes the long /i/ sound is a crucial phonics concept that helps students develop strong reading and spelling skills. This pattern occurs when 'e' appears at the end of an unaccented syllable, creating the familiar long /i/ sound we hear in words like "begin" and "beside."

Word List for Open Syllables with 'e' Making /i/ Sound

Be- Words

  • began
  • begin
  • became
  • beside
  • before
  • belong
  • beware
  • beneath
  • because
  • beyond
  • between
  • behave

De- Words

  • defend
  • defense
  • defeat
  • demand
  • delay
  • degree
  • decide
  • desire
  • define
  • describe
  • declare
  • destroy
  • develop
  • deliver
  • deposit
  • decent

Re- Words

  • relax
  • regret
  • repeat
  • result
  • respect
  • reflect
  • repair
  • replace
  • remain
  • request
  • release
  • reduce
  • refuse
  • require
  • recent
  • recess
  • remember

E- Words

  • even
  • evil
  • equal
  • event
  • erase
  • evening
  • electric
  • equipment

Other Words with Open 'e'

  • fever
  • female
  • pretend
  • prevent
  • predict
  • prepare
  • meter
  • secret
  • zebra
  • legal
  • vehicle
  • arena

Alignment with Common Core Standards

These words align with several Common Core Standards related to spelling and phonics patterns. Particularly relevant standards include:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2.F: Use spelling patterns and generalizations (e.g., word families, position-based spellings, syllable patterns, ending rules, meaningful word parts) in writing words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.2.D: Generalize learned spelling patterns when writing words.

These standards are directly addressed by this word list because understanding open syllables with 'e' making the /i/ sound represents a crucial spelling pattern that students need to master. The words in this list help students recognize and internalize this pattern, allowing them to both read and spell words with this structure more accurately.

Teaching Tips for Open Syllables with 'e'

When teaching these words, it's helpful to break them into syllables and show students how the 'e' at the end of an open syllable consistently makes the long /i/ sound. For example, in "begin" (be•gin), the first syllable "be" is open, allowing the 'e' to make its long /i/ sound. This pattern is consistent across all the words in this list.

Students often find it helpful to practice these words in groups based on their prefixes (be-, de-, re-), as this allows them to see the pattern repeated and reinforces their understanding of both the spelling pattern and common prefix meanings.

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Practice Activities and Assessment

Regular practice with these words helps students internalize the open syllable pattern. Consider using these words in:

  • Word sorting activities
  • Dictionary practice
  • Sentence writing exercises
  • Reading comprehension passages
  • Spelling tests and quizzes

Remember to assess students' understanding regularly and provide additional support when needed. These words represent a fundamental spelling pattern that will serve students well throughout their academic careers.