How to create silent letter word lists

Word lists are a creative way of teaching learners how to say new words. It is particularly helpful in teaching difficult to sound or spell words. Therefore, word lists are a great way of teaching words with silent letters.

However, to be successful in the use of word lists, it is important to follow a model. So as not to confuse the learners, words with similar characteristics should be put on the same list. The list could be based on the number of syllables the words have, the vowel sounds in the word, or even how parts of the word are spelt. For example, the same beginning, medial or end spellings.

Silent Letter Word Lists

When dealing with words with silent letters, word lists should be created based on how the silent letters are formed. You can base your list on the origins of the word. This will work for advanced learners who are able to recognize more complex patterns. Or, you can base your list on what letters are silent in the words. This is a simple way of creating words lists for beginning and intermediate learners. First, you identify what letters are silent in the word, and then you create a list of words that follow the same pattern.

Now, let us look at some word lists that can be used to teach the spelling and pronunciation of words with silent letters.

You may use this pattern to create silent letter word lists for other silent letters such as the silent s, m, n, e, gh, g and on. The principle is to include only letters with the target letter silent in your list so as not to confuse the learners.