The other day, we were starting book three in the Smart Phonics series in my Alpha1 cohort (elementary 1st and 2nd graders). This is where the kids first meet the obscure and confusing "silent e."
This always makes me think back to PBS's Electric Company show, circa 1970s.
What I'm listening to right now.
Tom Lehrer, "Silent E."
I think I will try to show this to my students.
Lyrics.
Who can turn a can into a cane?
Who can turn a pan into a pane?
It's not too hard to see
It's silent e
Who can turn a cub into a cube?
Who can turn a tub into a tube?
It's elementary
For silent e
He took a pin and turned it into pine
He took a twin and turned him into twine
Who can turn a cap into a cape?
Who can turn a tap into a tape?
A little glob becomes a globe instantly
If you just add silent e
He turned a dam – alikazam! – into a dame
But my friend sam stayed just the same
Who can turn a man into a mane?
Who can turn a van into a vane?
A little hug becomes huge instantly
Don't add w, don't add x, and don't add y or z,
Just add silent e
[daily log: walking, 6 km]