Kids can practice differentiating between closed, open, and Magic E (VCe) syllables with this free worksheet on Magic E syllables. Use this no-prep tool with your students after introducing them to the syllable type Magic E.
The Magic E Syllable: What Is It?
One of the six syllable types in English is the Magic E (ME) syllable. Closed, Open, Magic E, R-controlled, Vowel Team/Diphthong, and Consonant+le are the six syllable types.
The Magic E syllable type is just a syllable that ends in the pattern Vowel-Consonant-E. It is also known as the Silent E or VCe syllable.
The E is at the end of these syllables and remains silent. The function of the e is to produce the long vowel sound (or name) of the preceding vowel.
Words with Magic E Syllables:
- like
- Jake
- age
- nose
- rude
- cave
- out/side
- time/line
- ar/rive
- be/came
- ab/so/lute
- mi/cro/scope
Words with one or more syllables may contain Magic E syllables, as the list above illustrates.
Generally speaking, Magic E syllables appear at the end of words, unless they are compound words or have a suffix added to them.
Magic E syllables are present in thousands of words, making this syllable type extremely significant!
Practice Magic -E Worksheet
Children are typically taught the Magic E pattern once they are proficient in reading VC/CV words as well as open and closed syllables. The goal of the practice sheet is to assist students in identifying and reading words that have these three different kinds of syllables.
Children will work with 60 words in total, arranged in three-groups. Every word group starts with the same letters and consists of one open, one closed, and one Magic E syllable word.
We advise using the resource as follows:
- Students will label the vowels and consonants, place breves and macrons above the vowels, and code the words.
- Students will name the different types of syllables, such as C-Closed, O-Open, and ME-Magic E.
- Students will read aloud each word in the group, pointing out how the vowel sound varies according to the kind of syllable.
How to Mark 1 Syllable Words
Kids are forced to examine words closely when they mark them. They must consider the patterns they observe and put their knowledge of rules into practice.
Students can then use the marks as visual signals to help them understand how to accurately read the words. Additionally, underlining words improves visual memory, which helps pupils with spelling.
This is a simple way to mark (or code) words:
- Find the vowels. Label them with a V.
- Find the consonants that come after the vowel. Label them with a C.
- Mark the vowel with a macron (a straight line mark above the vowel) if the vowel is long.
- Mark the vowel with a breve (a small u-shaped mark above the vowel) if the vowel is short.
- If the word includes a final silent e, put a slash through the E. This will remind the reader that the E stays silent.
When students begin using syllabication to decode multisyllabic words, teaching them this process will be very beneficial.
Make sure to check out our online educational games here.
I also would like to share an additional sorting activity with you.
The file includes a certificate that students may get once they have mastered the skill.
Download your worksheet here and sorting flashcards here
Related Teaching Resources
Ways To Teach Silent E. Silent E Words, Sentences and Posters
Sorting Syllables Activity and Recording Sheets are Included
Open Syllables and Closed Syllables
How to Teach Your Kids Open and Closed Syllables
Long and Short Vowels Sort Free Worksheets
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