R-Controlled Vowels
Videos and songs to help First Grade kids learn the r-controlled vowels: ar, er, ir, or, ur. R-controlled vowels occur when a vowel is followed by the letter R, which changes the way the vowel is pronounced. These vowels are often called “bossy R” because the R takes control of the sound.
Learn the R-Controlled Vowels
R-controlled vowels, also known as “bossy r” or “r-colored vowels,” are a key concept in English phonics. They occur when a vowel is followed by the letter “r,” and the “r” changes the way the vowel is pronounced. The “r” takes control of the vowel sound.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common r-controlled vowel sounds:
- “ar”
This sound is similar to the “a” in “car."
Examples: car, star, far, arm, dark, hard, farm, smart, start - “or”
This sound is similar to the “aw” in “law” or the “o” in “for."
Examples: for, or, more, born, corn, form, north, short, sport, store, storm - “er,” “ir,” and “ur”
These three spellings usually represent the same sound.
Examples:
er: her, term, person, under, number
ir: bird, girl, first, shirt, stir
ur: fur, burn, turn, hurt, purple
The following diagram shows r-controlled vowel words. Practice saying these words. Scroll down the page for more examples.
Key Characteristics of R-Controlled Vowels:
The “r” changes the vowel sound: The vowel does not make its typical short or long sound. Instead, the “r” creates a new, blended sound. Each r-controlled vowel represents a single sound, not two separate sounds.
Look Out for Bossy R
Fun Phonics Song for Kids
The Rules of Bossy “R”
R Controlled Vowels Practice
| R-Controlled Vowels & Digraphs | ||
|---|---|---|
| AR Sound | Er,Ir,Ur | OR Sound |
| Ar,Er,Ir,Or,Ur | Ou, Ow | Oi, Oy |
| OO Sound | ||
Learn the sound of the letters
Learning Short Vowels
| Short Vowels | ||
|---|---|---|
| Short A | Short E | Short I |
| Short O | Short U | Short Vowels |
Learning Long Vowels
| Long Vowels | ||
|---|---|---|
| Long A | Long E | Long I |
| Long O | Long U | Y (vowel) |
| Long Vowels | Short & Long Vowels | |
Compare Short & Long Vowels
| Short & Long Vowels | ||
|---|---|---|
| Short & Long A | Short & Long E | Short & Long I |
| Short & Long O | Short & Long U | |
Learning Consonants
Check out our most popular games!
Fraction Concoction Game:
Master fractions in the lab: mix, add, and subtract beakers to create the perfect concoction!
Fact Family Game:
Complete fact families and master the link between addition & subtraction and multiplication & division.
Number Bond Garden:
Clear the board by matching number pairs that sum to ten in this garden-themed mental math puzzle.
Online Addition Subtraction Game:
Practice your addition and subtraction skills to help the penguin find its mummy.
We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.