The Long E Sound

The long E sound sounds like its name "eeeeeee". Some words that use the long E sound are:

• keep - I will keep your secret.
• bee - Bees make honey.
• see - Do you see the red plane?
• tea - I like a cup of tea in the afternoon.
• me - Give me the book.

Your teacher,

Alan

Teacher and Students

  

Boy at Computer

  

Librarian

  

Globe

  

Calculator

  

Palette

  

Pencils

  

Things You Find in a Classroom

  

Classroom

  

Music and Language

Music and language share similar qualities. They both have rhythm and they both have pitch. Listening to poetry is like listening to a concert of words.

Learning a new language is like listening to a new style of music. It takes time to get use to the new rhythms. At first, they sound strange and different. However, the more you listen, the more they become enjoyable and understandable.

Music is also a useful tool for learning. Some believe that music enhances learning. This is called the Mozart Effect.

I believe that music helps people learn because it relaxes you. Music also may help you remember. Nursery rhymes and children's songs use this method. Children remember words because they remember the melody and rhythm of the song.

Listen to some quiet, relaxing music as you study English. I believe that it may make learning English easier.

Your teacher,

Alan

The Short E Sound

The short E sounds like "eh" as in the word let. I let the boys go to the soccer game. Other words that use the short E sound are:

• met - I met her in Spain.
• Mexico - Mexico is a beautiful country.
• red - I like the red jacket.
• fed - I fed the children macaroni and cheese.
• bed - My bed is very comfortable.
• Texas - Texas was once part of Mexico.

Your teacher,

Alan

The Long A Sound

The word make uses the long A sound. For example, I make money writing books.

Other words that use the long A sound are:

• lake - I went sailing on the lake.
• take - We take English as a Second Language classes.
• rake (as a verb) - I rake the leaves every morning.
• rake (as a noun) - I bought a rake at the store.
• cake - I love chocolate cake.
• bake - We bake cakes at the bakery.
• fake (as a verb) - I will fake my way through English class.
• fake (as an adjective) - The fake diamond watch cost $10.00.
• late - I was late for class.
• fate - The fate of my grade is in the hands of the professor.
• trade - The soccer team will trade their star for two new players.
• made - We made candles by hand.

Your teacher,

Alan

The Short A Sound

Cat uses the short a sound. Some other words that use the short a sound are:

• hat - I left my hat at the train station.
• map - I'll need a map when I travel to Europe.
• sat - Yesterday I sat near the guitar player.
• chat - I would love to chat with you, but I need to get to work.

Here is a poem from the book, Phonics Through Poetry. It uses many words that have a short a sound. The poem is written by Dee Lillegard. The words in bold have the short a sound.

Catsup

I tap it lightly.

Tap and pat.

And all at once, there comes a splat!

I didn't want as much as that!

Tap and pat.

Pat and tap.

Catchup splashes on my lap!

Your teacher,

Alan

AskIt-HearIt is a blog for people that want to learn English as a Second Language. Ask a question and I will give you an audio and written answer. This allows you to follow the text as you listen to the pronunciation. I will also post a variety of audio and written information in addition to your questions.

This blog is for students at all levels. To learn English, just type me a question.

This blog will also include phonics, examples of letter pronunciation, and examples of word pronunciation.

I look forward to teaching you English.

Sincerely,

Alan