Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop Level A Unit 12 Answers

Short a - 5th Grade Phonics

In English, each vowel can make several different sounds. One of these is called the "short" sound. When we talk about the short "a" sound, it's the sound you hear in words like "cat," "map," or "hat." This sound is similar to the "ah" sound you make when a doctor looks at your throat.

Here are some key points to remember about the short "a" sound:

1. Simple and Common: The short "a" sound is one of the first vowel sounds that kids learn. It's very common in English words.
2. Spelling: Usually, the short "a" sound is just spelled with the letter "a." There aren't many complicated rules for this sound, which makes it easier to learn.
3. Examples: Knowing examples helps a lot. Some words with the short "a" sound include "apple," "ant," "bag," "cap," and "fan."
4. Practice with Reading and Writing: The best way to get comfortable with the short "a" sound is by reading words that have it and trying to write your own words or sentences using the sound.
5. Listening and Speaking: It's also helpful to listen to someone saying these words and to practice saying them yourself. This helps you get used to how the short "a" sound feels in your mouth and how it sounds to your ears.

One-Syllable Words

The short a sound is spelled with the letter a.  

Examples:

• cap 
• pan 
• sand

Short a Worksheet

A. Read the words in each row. Underline the word that has a short a sound. Write the word on the line.

1. fact          five                     four
2. cold         clap                     come
3. but           big                      back
4. him          had                     help
5. yam         yes                      you
6. time         two                     trap

B. Read each sentence. Underline the word that has the short a sound. Write the word on the line.

1. We will go in the cab.
2. I call my white cat Jim.
3. Will you play tag with me?
4. I must pack my things now.
5. She is glad to see me.
6. I will be in the band.

Multi-Syllable Words

The short a sound is spelled with the letter a. 

Examples:

• handbag 
• camping 
• acted

Short a Worksheet

A. Read the words in each row. Underline the word that has the short a sound. Then write it on the line.

1. packing      picking              playing
2. seeing        stamping            opening
3. funny         yellow                sandbag
4. number      today                  camping
5. going         catnap                 people
6. flapjack     little                     other  

B. Read each sentence. Underline the word that has a short a sound. Then write the word on the line.

1. My handbag is very big.
2. The backpack is on the bed.
3. We will play in the bandstand.
4. We will be planting fig trees.
5. I like to do handstands.
6. My granddad is here.