Once your growing readers have a strong grasp of short and long vowel patterns, the next big hurdle in phonics instruction is r controlled vowels. These tricky sounds can be confusing at first, but with the right teaching sequence and plenty of practice, your students can master them confidently.
Let’s walk through what r controlled vowels are, how to teach them effectively, and how you can grab a free set of phonics charts and word sorting cards to make your lessons run smoothly.
R controlled vowels—sometimes called “bossy R” vowels—happen when a vowel is followed by the letter r. In this instance, the r changes the vowel sound. Instead of saying its regular sound of a short sound or long vowel sound, the vowel is controlled by the r that follows it.
For example:
These phonics patterns can be tricky because they don’t follow the regular short or long vowel rules they’ve learned. Again, explicit instruction and repeated practice are key when learning new phonics patterns. It takes time and practice. And patience! Circle back. Reteach. Practice more. They will get it!
When teaching r controlled vowels, or any new phonics patterns, it helps to take a systematic approach. This looks like:
1. Introducing one pattern at a time.
Start with ar or or, since those tend to be easier to hear and identify. Once students are comfortable, move on to er, ir, and ur. Remember, some of these make multiple sounds, like ar and or.
2. Using visuals and keyword cues.
Create anchor charts or phonics cards with images (e.g., car, corn, bird). Associating the sound with a keyword helps students recall it faster.
3. Incorporating word sorting and blending practice.
Have students read, sort, and build words with the target pattern. Interactive practice helps students recognize patterns automatically. You can do this as a whole group, in a small group setting, and even place it in a morning work tub to revisit throughout the week.
4. Moving into connected text with decodable readers.
Once students can read r-controlled words in isolation, they need practice in context. Decodable texts provide that perfect bridge—students get to apply what they’ve learned while building fluency and comprehension.
5. Reinforcing through writing and review.
Encourage students to write sentences through dictation practice. Continue reviewing these patterns throughout your time in small groups, in literacy centers, and more! Monitor their writing and how they are applying their phonics skills.
To help you get started, I’ve created a free printable set of R-Controlled Vowel Phonics Posters and Word Sorting Cards.
This freebie includes:
Grab your FREE R-Controlled Vowel Charts and Word Sorting Cards here!
These printables are perfect for small group lessons, literacy centers, or take-home review practice.
If you want your r controlled vowel lessons to be meaningful and easy to prep, my R Controlled Vowels Decodable Readers with Lessons will save you tons of time.
This resource includes:
You’ll be able to teach, model, and practice r controlled vowel patterns with everything ready to go—no extra prep required.
Check out the R-Controlled Vowel Decodable Reader & Lesson Bundle here.
R controlled vowels can feel tricky to teach, but with explicit instruction, engaging practice, and the right tools, your students will gain confidence and mastery in no time.
Start with the free charts and word cards to introduce or review each “bossy R” sound—and when you’re ready for fully planned lessons and engaging decodable stories, grab the complete R Controlled Vowel Decodable Reader & Lesson bundle to make your phonics block seamless.
Want to use the latest research to boost your readers during small groups? This FREE guide is packed with engaging ideas to help them grow!
I’m a K-1 teacher who is passionate about making lessons your students love and that are easy to implement for teachers. Helping teachers like you navigate their way through their literacy block brings me great joy. I am a lifelong learner who loves staying on top of current literacy learning and practices. Here, you’ll find the tools you need to move your K-2 students forward!
