Closed Syllable Exceptions

Most Closed Syllables, make a short vowel sound. However there are a few exceptions, five to be exact. Today's post is focused on those five closed syllable exceptions.

Once your child has a solid grasp of closed syllables, and the fact that vowels have a long sound, it may be the right time to introduce closed syllable exceptions. It is best to wait till your child has mastered typical closed syllables before introducing these words, in order to avoid confusion.

'ild'	'ind'	'old'	'olt'	'ost'
child	find	cold	bolt	host
mild	kind	gold	colt	most
wild	mind	mold	jolt	post
wind	rind	told	volt
	blind	hold
	grind	bold
	bind	fold

Now there are some words that are exceptions to the exceptions:

wilderness

wind*

cost

lost

frost

*Wind can be pronounced with a long or short vowel sound but the meaning changes depending on pronunciation

Understandably, these words are tricky. Orthographically mapping them and pointing out the fact that they are "exceptions to the exceptions" is a helpful starting place. Most importantly, we want kids to receive explicit teaching of these skills so they are not left confused and frustrated by these words. Grouping these spelling patterns together helps students make sense of them. We have an entire scope and sequence dedicated to ensuring students receive the foundational instruction necessary for success in reading and writing.