109. Silent g and k before n: gnat, gnaw, knack, knead

The lesson, step by step

1. The pattern

   Read the rule: g and k before n are always silent. gnat sounds like "nat", knack like "nack". The silent letter still has to be written.

2. Read the table aloud

   Read the table aloud together, a column at a time. You say a word, your child says it back while pointing to it. Then your child reads a column alone. Some of the words:

   gnarl, gnash, gnat, gnaw

   knack

   Read the rest of the table. Every word begins with gn or kn.

3. Spell aloud

   Now the old way: your child looks at a word, then spells it aloud and says it.

   Sayg, n, a, w, gnaw.

   Go down a column like this. Then cover the column, say a word, and have your child spell it aloud without looking.

4. Read the rule

   G and k before n are always silent.

   Your child thinks of more: knee, know, knife, knot, gnome.

5. Read the sentences

   Under the table are short reading lessons that use its words. Your child reads them aloud, pointing to each word. Help with any word not yet learned. Two of them:

   Anger is a tormenting passion, and so are envy and jealousy.

   Knead the dough thoroughly, if you would have good bread.

6. Dictation

   Say each word, use it in a short sentence of your own, and say it again. Your child writes it. Try these: gnat, gnaw, gnash, knack, knead, knot.

   Check together against the book. Any word that came out wrong goes on a card for tomorrow.