My first name is Cecelia and I love the letter C. But as a child who struggled with reading and spelling, I remember the frustration with my name. The letter C most commonly says /k/, but in my name it says /s/! In our language, the letter "C" may seem like a straightforward consonant, but it has a secret...it can make multiple sounds.
The letter C has two main pronunciations, a hard sound like /k/ as in "cat" and a soft sound like /s/ as in "cent." These contrasting sounds can lead to confusion with many struggling readers. This is yet another strange but needed spelling pattern that our students need to understand. Mastering the sounds for C is essential for achieving reading and spelling fluency.

For young readers, mastering the different sounds of C boosts reading comprehension. Being able to differentiate between hard and soft C sounds in words helps them decode unfamiliar words with accuracy. This leads to stronger reading comprehension skills and ultimately a confident reader.
Understanding the multiple sounds of C allows students to develop their spelling skills. When students master this skill they are able to prevent common spelling errors, like celebrate vs. selebrate!
Provide your students ample opportunities to practice this skill. Students can use sorts to differentiate between the two sounds. Students can also practice spelling words with these concepts. Also encourage students to find words within their books with both sets of spelling patterns. Students with the letter C in their name or family members with the letter C can also identify the correct spelling pattern that is being used.

I created a fun and simple set of 20 different sorts that you can download below. These sorts are great because it allows students to practice the sound for the letter C at the beginning of the word but also within the middle of the word. For example cent vs. car is beginning sounds whereas space vs. picnic is middle / ending sounds.
The letter C is by far my favorite letter! It is complex and beautiful! Be sure to give your students plenty of practice and I know they will master this skill in no time!
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