61. Words ending in -ire: admire, inspire, require, expire

The lesson, step by step

1. The pattern

   Two beats, second strong: "ad-MIRE", "in-QUIRE". Every word ends in -ire, a long i with a silent e. Only the beginning changes.

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:

   acquire, admire, aspire, respire

   inspire, conspire, perspire

   require, inquire, expire

3. Spell aloud by syllables

   Spell each word a syllable at a time, the way Webster's pupils did: spell the first syllable and say it, spell the next and say it, then say the whole word.

   Saya, d, ad; m, i, r, e, mire; admire.

   Sayr, e, re; q, u, i, r, e, quire; require.

   Do a column this way while looking, then cover it and spell a few from memory.

4. Read the sentences

   Read sentences from this page (for No. 90) and from the next page (for No. 91):

   The sun will evaporate water on the ground.

   It is difficult to eradicate vicious habits.

   People admire the beautiful flowers of spring.

5. Dictation

   Say each word, use it in a short sentence of your own, and say it again. Your child writes it. Try these: admire, inspire, require, inquire, expire.

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

6. Review

   Finish with the cards from earlier days: your child reads and spells each one. Put a card away after three right days in a row.