The Magic E Syllable

Once you have directly instructed closed syllables and students are able to accurately and quickly identify closed syllables, they are ready to apply the closed syllable short vowel sound and read closed syllable words.  Now they are ready to learn about magic e syllables and practice bouncing back and forth between the two.

Introducing the Magic E or Silent E syllable follows the same process as introducing the closed syllable.  Begin by defining the syllable and linking it to a hand sign.  In this case, I make a "V" with my pointer and middle finger.  Why a "V"? I believe the definition lends itself to that sign.  Let's explore how.

A Magic E syllable is a syllable that makes the long vowel sound and is spelled with a vowel followed by a consonant and silent e.  If you look at the word ate  and place your pointer finger under the first vowel and your middle finger under the silent e, you will form a "V" hand sign. This sign helps students to focus on the vowels.


I have found that my students use their hand signs while reading, especially when reading Magic e words.  I often see my students make the "V" sign when they identify a magic e word and then they are able to quickly decode it.  In addition, my students often check their spelling by drawing a "V" under the vowels in a word to make sure that they have changed tap to tape for example.

After students have gained accuracy and fluency identifying magic e syllables visually, they are ready to apply the long vowel sound and read magic e syllables. In addition, they will continue to review closed syllable words and differentiate between the two.  This process takes several weeks so be careful not to go too fast.