ESL Phonics Lessons: The Letter E

Welcome to our beginner phonics lesson focusing on the letter E! This ESL phonics lesson is designed to help young learners and ESL students understand and practice the sounds and usage of the letter E. Phonics is a crucial skill for reading and writing proficiency, and mastering the letter E is a significant step in that journey. Let’s explore the letter E, its different sounds, and engaging activities to reinforce learning.

ESL Phonics: Understanding the Letter E

The letter E is the fifth letter of the English alphabet and one of the most commonly used vowels. It has multiple sounds, which can be challenging for beginners, but with practice, learners can easily master them. The primary sounds associated with the letter E are the short E sound, as in “bed,” and the long E sound, as in “see.”

ESL Phonics: The Short E Sound

The short E sound is the /ɛ/ sound, like in “bed.” To produce the short E sound, position your tongue in the middle of your mouth, and keep your mouth slightly open. Here are some examples of words with the short E sound:

• Beginning: Egg, Elephant, End, Echo, Enter
• Middle: Bed, Red, Pen, Net, Jet
• End: None (The short E sound typically appears at the beginning or in the middle of words)

The ESL phonics lesson below includes an introduction to the letter E, with several words, a sentence, and a page to practice tracing this letter. Students then practice tracing the letter E to complete several words in sentences. After completing this ESL phonics lesson, students should have a basic, functional understanding of the letter E, including its shape, capital and lowercase forms, and its positioning in sentences. Download this lesson for free, and you can also download our entire book of ESL phonics lessons on the alphabet, Phonics Monster: The Alphabet.