See if you can spell every word correctly in this Listen and Spell challenge.
The short /a/ sound is pronounced like the a in cat or hat. This sound can be found in many common words, making it a key building block for reading and spelling. Recognising and practising short a words helps improve your vocabulary and enhances your understanding of how words are formed.
Some examples of short a words include bat, man, pan, and sad. Each of these words features the short /a/ sound at its core. When you say these words, pay attention to how your mouth moves. Notice how your mouth opens slightly, creating that distinctive short /a/ sound. You can practise saying these words out loud, focusing on enunciating the a clearly.
Learning short a words is important because they appear frequently in both spoken and written English. By becoming familiar with this sound, you’ll be more confident as a reader and writer.
This word list was created by Spellzone. View more Spellzone course lists or curriculum word lists.
Learn more in Unit 6. Short vowels e.g. e or ea? o or u?
"I ran the trial with a small group of students over three weeks before the summer holidays," she says. "I quickly saw the benefits, and signed up."
King's Leadership Academy, Warrington