LA 2.05I Spy: Middle Sounds
The child identifies the short vowel sound in the middle of a three-sound word.
Age 4–5Work 5 of 6 in Phonological Awareness
Presentation
- 1
Name each object together.
- 2
Say the word slowly with each sound separated a little: "p-i-g."
- 3
Say, "In the middle of pig I hear /i/."
- 4
Say, "I spy something with /o/ in the middle."
- 5
If the child is unsure, say each word slowly and stretch the vowel.
- 6
Continue with the other objects, then let the child spy for you.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Sorting objects by middle sound into groups (all /a/ words together)
- Middle sounds without objects present
- Changing the middle sound to make a new word ("pig" to "peg")
Control of error
The adult.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Names the middle vowel sound of spoken CVC words
- Sorts objects by short vowel sound
Guide note
Short /e/ and /i/ are often confused; present them on different days at first. Dual-language learners whose home language has different vowels may need extra time here; this is not a sign of a hearing or learning problem.