# Lesson 4: Forming short words correctly

✍️ WRITING (40 Lessons) • 🟢 A. Getting Started with Writing

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## Objective

I can listen for sounds, choose the right letters, and write short words like cat and sun in the correct order on the line.

## Materials

- Short, sharpened pencil
- Eraser
- Ruled paper (primary lines preferred)
- Tracing Pad (below)
- Alphabet strip or chart (to check letters)
- Small picture cards of simple words (cat, sun, dog, map, etc.)

## Mini-lesson — Building short CVC words

A short word like cat is made from sounds. When you hear each sound and choose the correct letter, you can build the word in the right order.

1. Listen to the sounds

- Say the word slowly: c-a-t.
- Touch your chin or tap the table for each sound.
- Count how many sounds you hear (3 sounds in cat).

2. Match sounds to letters

- The first sound is the beginning sound.
- The middle sound is often a short vowel (a, e, i, o, u).
- The last sound is the ending sound.

3. Put letters in order

- Write the first letter, then the middle, then the last.
- Check that the letters stay in a straight line.
- Say the word again and slide your finger under the letters.

4. Check your word

- Does the word look right like on your alphabet chart?
- Does it sound right when you read it?
- If it does not, fix one letter and try again.

Ask yourself: "Did I hear all the sounds? Did I use the right letters? Do my letters stay on the line?"

Picture strip: "Building the word cat"

## Guided Practice — Short word warm-up

Use this routine to practice writing whole words before you write phrases and sentences.

1. Look at a picture: Choose a picture, like a cat or a sun. Say the word slowly and listen for each sound.
2. Say the sounds: Tap the table or your fingers as you say each sound: /c/ - /a/ - /t/. Count how many taps you feel.
3. Trace on the pad: On the Tracing Pad, pick one word from the dropdown, such as cat or sun. Write the word in a neat row using light pressure.
4. Check the letters: After a row, stop and check. Are the letters in the right order? Do they sit on the line? Do they look like the word on your card?
5. Move to paper: On your paper, write the same word in a row, like cat cat cat cat cat. Circle the row that looks the clearest.
6. Mix new words: Try a different word, like map or pen. Say the sounds, then write the word on the line.

You can use this short word warm-up at the start of writing time to help your hand and brain work together.

Tracing Pad
Lines
Trace
Pen

## Drag & Drop — Build and write short word rules

First, build each short sentence. Then copy it onto your ruled paper.

Step 1 (on the device): Drag the words into the correct order. Release inside a slot to drop.

Step 2 (on paper): Write each finished sentence on your paper with words on the line and clear spaces.

Hear all the sounds .
Add a short vowel .
Write sounds in order .
Put words on the line.
Read your word to check.

## Quick Check — Forming short words correctly

Answer each question about sounds, letters, and short words. This is a gentle 10-question check.

#### What helps you know which letters to write in a word?

Guessing quickly Listening for sounds Copying any letter

#### What is the first sound in the word cat?

/t/ /a/ /c/

#### In the word sun, which sound is in the middle?

/u/ /s/ /n/

#### How many letters are in most short CVC words like cat or sun?

Two Three Five

#### What is the best way to write a short word?

Write random letters Start with the last sound Write letters in sound order

#### After you write a word, what should you do?

Read it slowly Erase it quickly Draw a picture on top

#### Where is the short vowel sound in a CVC word?

At the end In the middle At the start and end

#### How should your short words sit on the page?

Floating in the air Going up and down Sitting on the writing line

#### What can you look at to check if a word looks right?

An alphabet or word chart The ceiling A blank wall

#### What speed helps you write short words correctly?

As fast as possible Slow and careful Only when someone is watching

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Hears and identifies beginning, middle, and end sounds in short words Writes short CVC words with letters in the correct order Keeps words sitting on the line and letters clear Reads written words slowly to check spelling

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can build and write short words like cat and sun. 🙂 I need practice hearing sounds or choosing letters. 😅 Building short words still feels tricky.

#### I will practice…

Listening for all sounds Putting letters in order Keeping words on the line
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