Teaching sounds can be fun, especially when it comes to r-controlled vowels! These 3 sounds, spelled 5 different ways (ar, or, er, ir, ur) can be introduced and reviewed using several engaging strategies and resources. Read on for tips, tricks and jokes to make your r-controlled vowel lessons pop!
What are R Controlled Vowels?
R controlled vowels are exactly what they sound like…vowels controlled by the r! There are three r controlled vowel sounds: ar says arrrr like the pirate sound, or, and er/ir/ur says irrrrrr like someone slamming on the brakes! Let’s take a look at some sample r controlled words:
It can be helpful to create an r controlled vowel anchor chart to help students retain these sounds. A lot of teachers like to call these sounds “bossy r” sounds. The “bossy r” concept is that he is bossy and controls the sound but DOES still let the vowel go first.
So, now that we have figured out what the r controlled vowel sounds are, let’s take a look at some engaging and educational activities to enhance your lesson!
R Controlled Vowel Activities
Want to add some engaging technology into your lesson? Check out these options!
1) Videos & Songs
Jack Hartmann-Look out for Bossy R
4 Minute Phonics R Controlled Practice
Pirates say AR!
2) Books
There are even books to teach the r controlled sounds! Note: These are Amazon Affiliate links.
The Bossy r: How the R Controlled Vowels Came to Be
by Lynell Hecht
A Day at the Berns Family Farm: A Book of Phonics
by Laura Hudgens
3) Printable Resources
When you are ready for students to practice their r controlled vowels in small group or independently, Lucky Little Learners has you covered!
Phonics Day by Day
Phonics Day by Day is a GREAT morning work option! Students will complete the section that matches the day of the week, then can either turn it in daily, at the end of the week OR the class can review the section each day.
Bonus: teachers can use Phonics Day by Day in any order to match their phonics curriculum.
Read more about it here: No Prep Daily Phonics Review
Shop here: Phonics Day by Day
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2nd Grade Phonics Centers
With these Phonics Centers, teachers can choose between several r controlled vowel games! These centers are great for independent work as well as small group work!
Read more about it here: Phonics Centers for 2nd Grade
Shop here: 2nd Grade Phonics Centers
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Phonics Toothy
Another great independent work option is R Controlled Phonics Toothy! Students Love Toothy!! Bonus to toothy is once they learn how to play Toothy, they will know how to play it for all skills!
Read more about it (and try it FREE) here: Free Phonics Toothy Game
Shop here: 1st & 2nd Grade Phonics Toothy
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Phonics Mats for 1st & 2nd Grade
Phonics Mats are an amazing resource jam packed with skill practice! Students will practice fluency, alphabetizing, phonics sounds and comprehension. Plus, there is a phonics mat for each r controlled vowel! Use these as an r controlled vowel worksheet to review or introduce the skill! Bonus: these mats are available for 1st and 2nd grade!
Read more about it (and try for FREE) here: Free Phonics Worksheets
Shop here: 1st Grade Phonics Mats and 2nd Grade Phonics Mats
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Phonics Posters
One of the best ways to cement learning is by anchoring it with anchor charts or posters for students to reference. Lucky Little Learners has created a sound wall WITH phonics posters!
Read more about it here: Let’s Talk About the Classroom Sound Wall
Shop here: Sound Wall with Mouth Pictures & Bonus Phonics Posters
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How to Teach other 2nd Grade Phonics Concepts
Ready to teach another phonics skill? We’ve got a post for that!
Silent Letters
Short Vowels
Short Vowel Digraphs
Long Vowels
Diphthongs
Inflected Endings
Syllable Patterns/Multisyllabic Words
Happy teaching!
Should “These 5 sounds (ar, or, er, ir, ur) can be introduced and reviewed using several engaging strategies and resources.“ be revised to read, These 3 sounds, spelled 5 different ways (ar, or, er, ir, ur) can be introduced and reviewed using several engaging strategies and resources.”?
Hello Erik! Great eye! Thank you for catching this! We’ve updated the language in that sentence. Together we are better!