R Controlled Vowels Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: RF.K-1

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

The letter r can drastically change the sound made by a vowel. Think of the letter o sound in the word "corn". The r in that word drastically changes the sound of the vowel (o). Normal co- would lead to a sound similar to the sounds found in collaborate or collate. The presence of the r in "corn" completely changes this. We find the bets way to approach teaching R controlled vowel words us through a systematic phonics based approach. Starting with your standard R controlled word lists and then have them compare those words with past lists that they have already mastered. These worksheets will introduce to many more r controlled vowels.

R Controlled Vowels Worksheets To Print:

Bossy R - Find the boxes that contain words that make the "er" sound. Color those boxes green. You will also get some experience with the "or" sound.

R in Charge - When R comes after a vowel in a word, it changes the way the vowel sounds. Take a look at all the words and let us know if the R is in charge.

Is R in Charge? - Say the name of each picture. Write the word on the line. Circle the r-controlled vowel.

Locked In Vowels - Fill in the missing letter(s) in each word. HINT: Each word contains a vowel-R pair that changes the sound of the vowel.

Fill in the Middle Sounds - Fill in the middle sound for each R-controlled vowel word. You will use five different consonant vowel complexes.

Make a Word - Fill in the blank spaces to make words with the same middle sound as the first word.

Take Charge - Fill in ar, ir, er, ur, or to complete each word. You may need this font embedded for a proper display.

When R Bosses the Vowels Around - When R comes after a vowel in a word, it changes the way the vowel sounds.

The Boss - See how many words you can form from each letter pair containing the Bossy R. You will brainstorm up your own words.

Say It - Write It - The number of letters are given to you, just not the letters or the order they go in.

Rhyme Time - Fill in ir, er, or, ur or ar to create rhymes.

Kangaroo Vowels - Combine the letters from each corner with the sound in the center. How many words can you make? Use the end letters provided.

Big Bad R - Read each word. Swap out the bold letters for an "r" and write the new word on the line.

Making Words - Fill in ar or or to complete each word. In some cases, you can choose either.

Sour Power - Write three words from the box above that are spelled with an "ar."

What Are R Controlled Vowels?

A vowel that is followed by the letter r experiences a change in sound because of the placement of the R. It changes the sound that the vowel makes, which is why these are known as R controlled vowels.


Quite often, teachers refer to the R as the 'bossy R' as the R is the dominant alphabet since it makes the vowel alter its sound. If an A is followed by an R, it creates the sound that is heard in words such as car, bar and the like.


Another instance is when an O is followed by an R. This establishes a sound that can be heard in words such as corn. Similarly, the 'ir', and 'ur', make sounds as heard in words like bird and her. Typically, it is imperative to teach students to observe and then practice words that are classified as R controlled vowels.


When a vowel is followed by an R, it makes a unique sound. These are also called R colored vowels in some cases. Additional examples include 'ar', which is found in words like car and guitar. The 'ar' sound is also observed in words like care, bear, scare and even the word aquarium.


Likewise, the 'ir' is found in terms like pier, spider and certificate. Yet another example is 'or', which is found in words such as observatory, author, orchard and brought.


Teachers generally instruct their students to recognize and pronounce R controlled vowel patterns in words. They employ a number of learning tools and videos if need be in order to aid students and give them examples. Teachers may also use online games and presentations in an effort to help students learn such concepts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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