Learn to Read with Reading Buddy 2.0+ Using Syllabics

What is Syllabics All About?

"Syllabics" is the system of six spelling/pronunciation codes found in all English words. The spelling code within each syllable predicts the pronunciation for the vowel(s) in that syllable. Each syllable has a definite, visually recognizable, spelling code that tells us how to predictably "read" the vowel(s) in that syllable. There are only 6 of these spelling/pronunciation codes in Written English. This system handles well mono-syllable words and stressed syllables in multi-syllable words. Unstressed syllables have a different but definite, predictable set of rules. The term "syllabics" is also used to describe a method of a learning how to read English, focusing on those six syllable spelling codes to determine the predictable pronunciation code for vowels.

The system of the six spelling/pronunciation codes were probably first devised by the makers of the earliest English dictionary in the mid 1700's in order to standardize the spelling of written English. Because reading written English is the same as "decoding" this standardized "spelling code," this natural system of spelling/pronunciation codes inherent in written English greatly facilitates the teaching of vowel reading skills in beginning reading.

Beginning reading students who are well versed in phonics can skillfully read all the consonant letters, but they stumble when they have to read a vowel letter. They do not have adequate vowel decoding skills. To compensate for not having adequate vowel decoding skills, they resort to guessing, memorizing, using picture clues, using context clues, sounding out the consonant letters, or some other compensatory skill in order to read the vowel letters.

Consonant letters are read phonetically. That is, a consonant letter is usually read with the same consonant sound.

Vowel letters are not read phonetically. One vowel letter can be read a dozen or more different ways. Every word has at least one vowel letter, so this vowel reading quandary rears its ugly head with every single word a reader encounters.

Until now, there have been no generally known comprehensive vowel decoding skills available to teach students. For decades, teachers have taught that the VC spelling code has a short vowel sound. They have also taught that the VCe spelling code has a long first vowel and a silent final "e". And they have taught that when there are 2 vowels together, "the first letter does the talking, and the second does the walking" (that is, it is silent).

These three vowel decoding tips are just half of the visually recognizable, predictable, RULES for decoding vowel letters. There are also GENERAL EXCEPTIONS, SPECIFIC EXCEPTIONS, and a very few MEMORY SYLLABLES. Only the latter must be memorized. These general exceptions, specific exceptions, and memory syllables are probably the three proverbial "trees" that have prevented most reading teachers from seeing the "forest" of definite vowel decoding or vowel reading skills.

What are the other three vowel decoding skills? That is what Syllabics is all about. Syllabics teaches students all six of the spelling codes needed to decode or read vowel letters, making it unnecessary to guess or memorize or use some other compensatory skill in order to "read" a vowel within a word. These are:

1. The VC code in "back" tells us to read the "a" with a short vowel sound.
2. The V code in "he" tells us to read the "e" with a long vowel sound.