Blending and segmenting · Grade 1
Blending is how we read a new word: say each sound, then push the sounds together until you hear the word (c-a-t → cat). Segmenting is the opposite, how we spell: say the word, split it into its sounds, and write the letters for each sound (frog → f-r-o-g).
Key facts
- To blend, say the sounds in order, then say them faster and faster: s… u… n, s-u-n, sun.
- To segment, say the word slowly, stretching it out, and count the sounds on your fingers.
- A digraph is one sound, so it is one part: sh-i-p, not s-h-i-p.
- Two consonants next to each other are usually two sounds: f-r-o-g, l-a-m-p, s-t-o-p.
- When you have written a word, read it back by blending, to check it says what you meant.
Worked examples
Example 1
Blend the sounds: m-u-d.
Answer: mud
Example 2
Which shows the sounds in rain: r-a-i-n or r-ai-n?
Answer: r-ai-n
Example 3
Segment and spell jump.
Answer: jump