Silent C
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Videos and songs to help First Grade kids learn about the silent C.
The silent C is a common feature in English spelling, and there are some patterns to help you. Knowing these patterns can help improve your reading, writing, and spelling skills.
Learning the Silent C
Patterns of Silent C
The letter “c” is most often silent in these situations:
- “c” after “s”: When “c” follows “s” at the beginning or in the middle of a word, it is almost always silent.
Examples: scene, science, scissors, scent, ascend, descend - “c” before “k”: When “c” comes before “k,” it is silent.
Examples: black, block, clock, lock, pack - In some other specific words: There are some words where the “c” is silent, and they don’t neatly fit into the above rules.
These often have roots in other languages.
Examples: yacht, czar, indict
The following diagram shows some words with the silent c. Practice saying these words. Scroll down the page for more examples.
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SIlent c - Phonics
Common English Words with Silent C Letter Sound
Do Not Pronounce the Silent Letter C
| Silent Letters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Silent B | Silent C | Silent D |
| Silent E | Silent G | Silent GH |
| Silent H | Silent K | Silent L |
| Silent T | Silent W | |
Learn the Sounds 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 | Short I & Long E |
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