Understanding the Short E Sound
The short e makes the sound /ĕ/ like in the word egg. This sound is quick and clear, and we hear it in many common words.
- e → red
- e → bed
- e → net
- e → pen
- e → leg
The short e sound is the same sound we make in the middle of the word “echo.”
CVC Words with Short E
CVC words are words made up of a consonant, vowel, and consonant. Many CVC words use the short e sound.
- p-e-n → pen
- m-e-t → met
- j-e-t → jet
- b-e-d → bed
- l-e-g → leg
When reading a CVC word, tap each sound slowly and then blend them together. For example: /j/ - /ĕ/ - /t/ → jet.
Word Families with Short E
Word families are groups of words that share the same ending. Learning word families helps us recognize patterns and read more fluently.
- -et family → net, pet, jet, vet
- -en family → men, pen, ten, hen
- -ed family → bed, red, fed, led
Start with the ending sound, then add the beginning consonant. For example, start with -en and add t → ten.
Practicing Short E in Sentences
Reading short e words in sentences helps us practice fluency and build confidence while reading.
- The red hen is in the pen.
- Ben met his pet dog.
- Jen can get in bed.
- Dad fed the wet cat.
Read each sentence slowly first. Then read it again more smoothly, listening for the short e sound each time.