Short & Long Vowel "A"
Related Pages
Long A
Short E
Phonic Sounds
English for Kids
These lessons, with videos, examples, stories, and songs to help Grade 1 kids learn about the short vowel “A” and long vowel “A”. Learn the difference between short “a” words and long “a” words.
Learning Short and Long Vowel “A”
Understanding the difference between the short “A” sound and the long “A” sound is essential for early readers. Here’s a guide to help teach these vowel sounds.
The Sounds of “A”
- Short “A” Sound: /æ/
- Found in words like cat, bat, and map.
- Sounds like the “a” in “apple."
- Long “A” Sound: /eɪ/
- Found in words like cake, name, and train.
- The “A” says its name, as in “acorn."
The following diagram shows some examples of short A and long A words. Scroll down the page for more examples and stories using the short A and long A words.
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Spelling Patterns
Short “A”
Appears in CVC words (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant).
Examples: cat, hat, bag, pan, man
Long “A”
Appears in specific spelling patterns:
A_E: Silent “e” at the end of the word (e.g., cake, name).
AI: Found in the middle of a word (e.g., rain, train).
AY: Found at the end of a word (e.g., day, play).
EA: Less common (e.g., steak, great).
EI/EIGH: Irregular patterns (e.g., eight, weight).
Songs and stories to learn short “A” and long “A”
What Sound Does “A” Make?
Let’s learn about phonics and the different sounds each letter can make! Long “A” sounds and short “A” sounds are different and unique to this letter! Sing along and dance along to the music.
“Short a” and “Long a” Words and Sentences
Chicken Jane and the fat cat
short a sound
Cliff Hanger and the marching band
short a
Short “a” story
Tackled and Paddled Hamburger
Chicken Jane and the bad ram
short “a”
What’s Cooking? - Slammed and Rammed Ham
Short “a” sound
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 the Sound of Consonants
| Consonant Sounds | ||
|---|---|---|
| B Sound | Hard C | Soft C |
| D Sound | F Sound | Hard G |
| Soft G | H Sound | J Sound |
| K Sound | L Sound | M Sound |
| N Sound | P Sound | Q Sound |
| P Sound | S Sound | T Sound |
| V Sound | W Sound | X Sound |
| Y Sound | Z Sound | |
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