Meet the FLoSS(Z) Rule Twins
The FloSS(Z) rule is known as one of the short vowel flags. The idea is that when you hear a short vowel sound in a one syllable word, you will (for the majority of the time) use one of these rules. Now of course, there will be exceptions. I like to use the term usually instead of always because your student WILL find the exception and it will likely be in the middle of your observation. Like the one time I taught the soft g rule and in front of the principal, my student found the word get and asked “why does this one say /g/ instead of /j/?”
Great question Junior, but we will chat about that later. Big gulp, red face, sweat beads, but we made it.
Anyways, back on track. Here is the rule for FLoSS(Z):
One syllable word
After one short vowel
Ending in F, L, S, or Z (see where it gets the name)
DOUBLE the final consonant
I find that the FLoSS(Z) rule of all of the short vowel flags has more 'verbiage’. So let’s look at a way that we can help learners make the language concise and the checkpoints kinesthetic.
Enter my little creation - The FLoSS(Z) Twins ….you know because there are 2 letters at the end.
Say “If it is a one syllable word” - write in the ‘1’ nose.
2. Say “After a short vowel” - write in the breve mouth to show the short vowel
3. Say “If it ends in F, L, S, or Z” - write in the F, L, S, Z in the bow (for sister) or bowtie (for brother)
4. Say “You double the final consonant” - write in the C C eyes
You can pick up a BUNDLE of FLoSS(Z) rule materials in the Resource Center or in my Teachers Pay Teachers store, including a FLoSS(Z) Twins template. I hope this strategy helps your students succeed!
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