Ay words

How do you teach ay words?

Pair ay with ai. "Ay is the end partner. When /ā/ is the last sound, write ay." Read day, say, stay, play, then compound words (daytime, playground) where ay ends the first part. Add -s, -ed and -ing to show that ay stays: plays, played, playing.

What mistake do students make with ay words?

Students write ai at the end (plai) or a alone (pla). Ask, "Is /ā/ the last sound you hear?" If yes, ay. A short ay word family (day, may, say, way, play, stay) is enough for most students to lock in the pattern.

Where do ay words come in the sequence?

Ay is taught with ai at the start of the vowel team unit. In the sequence we use, the pattern is taught in Lesson 84.

Exceptions worth knowing

Says uses ay but says /ĕ/. In words like Sunday and Monday, many speakers reduce the ay. Crayon and mayor put ay before another vowel.

Decodable sentences

Every word in these sentences can be read at Lesson 84 or earlier, or is a heart word taught by then.

• We can play all day.
• May I stay?
• The jay is on the tray.