Know the Code: Vowel Diphthong ow (cow)

This PDF styles resource is based on Orton Gillingham multisensory language development principles.

For many students, without direct, explicit instruction of vowel diphthongs such as "ow (cow)," there will be a breakdown each time a word is read that includes a diphthong. Why? Well, students many know that vowel teams, two vowels next to each other make the long sound of the first vowel. Diphthongs differ because they are two vowels together, or side-by-side, but the sound made is unique. Basically, the two vowel sounds are not heard, but a distinctly different on. So, it is easy to understand how struggling readers might falter when decoding or reading words with diphthongs.

Vowel Diphthongs are two vowels, side-by-side, that make their own unique sound. When coding syllables with diphthongs, circle the diphthong and write DT under the syllable.
Phonemic Awareness Activities
Vowel Diphthong ow (cow)
Reading comprehension
Reading strategies
Writing activities
Reading fluency
Processing Speed
Working memory
Long term memory
Word Retrieval
Students will develop a stronger vocabulary using a multisensory approach to word meaning. Students require review and repetition to internalize the sound of ow.
Please contact me if you have questions. It will be my pleasure to work alongside you to support your child, or student's development of diphthongs. Have questions? Contact me at ekennyfoggin@gmail.com.

Thank you.
Elizabeth Kenny-Foggin
M.S., M.A., OG-TT (IMSLEC)