Beginning Vowel

What Are Beginning Vowels?

• A beginning vowel is when a word starts with the sounds A, E, I, O, or U.
• While many words start with consonants, vowel-start words have a very smooth, open sound.
• These words are special because they usually need the word "an" instead of "a" before them (Example: An Apple).

How to Spot a Beginning Vowel To find a beginning vowel, look at the very first letter of the whole word:

1. Look at the word: O R A N G E.
2. Check the first letter: O.
3. Is it in the vowel family (A, E, I, O, U)? Yes!
4. This word has a Beginning Vowel.

Beginning Vowel Examples Here is a list of words where a vowel leads the way:

• A: Ant, Arm, Apple.
• E: Egg, Elbow, Elephant.
• I: Ink, Igloo, Insect.
• O: Octopus, Otter, Onion.
• U: Umbrella, Up, Under.

The "A" vs. "AN" Rule Beginning vowels change how we speak. We use "An" to make the transition between words smoother:

• We don't say "A Apple" (it sounds bumpy).
• We say "An Apple" (it sounds smooth).
• Rule: Use "An" if the next word starts with a vowel sound.

Why Do We Learn This?

• Grammar: It helps us use "a" and "an" correctly in our sentences.
• Reading: Vowel-start words can be tricky to sound out; knowing them helps us read faster.
• Spelling: It helps us recognize that the "anchor" of the word is a vowel.

Lesson Summary

• Beginning vowels are words that start with A, E, I, O, or U.
• Use the word "an" before words that start with a beginning vowel.
• These words have an open, clear sound at the very start.