Vocabulary Worksheet · Grades 2–4
R-Controlled Vowels Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 2-4 on r-controlled vowels: when the bossy R changes the vowel sound, as in car, her, bird, corn, and fur. Students find the ar, er, ir, or, or ur pattern in eight words, then write their own. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Vocabulary
Grades
Grades 2–4
Skill Focus
R-Controlled Vowels, phonics and word study
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
When a vowel is followed by the letter R, the R changes how the vowel sounds – we call these r-controlled vowels, or ‘bossy r.’ The five patterns are ar, er, ir, or, and ur, and the patterns er, ir, and ur often sound the same. This worksheet helps young readers spot and use each pattern.
Section A on page 1 gives eight words and asks students to write the r-controlled vowel pattern in each one. The reference box teaches the idea with car (ar) and bird (ir), which are not reused in any item.
Section B on page 2 asks students what the R does to the vowel, which three patterns sound alike, and to write a word for the ar pattern and the or pattern. Page 3 is a complete answer key with sample answers. The skill builds toward fluent decoding.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and say car and bird, listening for the bossy r.
Complete Section A independently – have students underline the vowel and the r together.
Work Section B item 11 together: write a word that uses ‘ar’.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check; Section B sample words will vary.
Pair with the Long and Short Vowel Sounds Worksheet or the Schwa Sound Worksheet.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
R-Controlled Vowels Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 2-4 on r-controlled vowels: when the bossy R changes the vowel sound, as in car, her, bird, corn, and fur. Students find the ar, er, ir, or, or ur pattern in eight words, then write their own. A complete answer key is included.
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