Hear i, remember y

1 · Learn

Say gym. Its middle sound is like the i in sit, but we write y: g-y-m. The letter y does not always make its sound from yes. In these words it stands for a vowel sound.

Read myth, symbol and mystery with an adult. A myth is a traditional story; a symbol is a mark that stands for something; a mystery is something not yet explained. Learn each meaning and spelling together. This is not a rule to replace every i with y.

2 · Worked example

I hear the short i sound in symbol. I check the model and write s-y-m-b-o-l. In 'The arrow is a symbol for the exit', symbol means a mark with a meaning, not a cymbal, which is a musical instrument.

3 · Your turn

Complete g_m and m_th with the letter learnt today. Say a sentence using either whole word. Would sit become syt?

4 · Apply your learning

Choose gym, myth or symbol. Look at it, say it, cover it, write it and compare every letter with the model. Explain its meaning to an adult, then use it in a fresh sentence.