The C or K Rule?

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c and k rule

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get is: How do we know when it’s c ,k or ck. AND why does /c/ sound like /s/ sometimes?

So lets understand the rule and at the end of the page don’t forget to collect the free poster and worksheets.

So what is the rule?

At the beginning we use c or k for /k/ sound.  

We use C when we have  an A, O, or U after the /k/ sound. We use K when we have an e or i after the /k/sound.

Look at this picture to understand the rule.

c and k rule

Why Does /C/ Sound Like /S/ Sometimes?

When the sounds e, i or y come after /c/ it sounds like /s/. /C/ sounds like /k/ after any other letter!

Here are the anchor charts explaining c and k rule. All these anchor charts and worksheet are free for download for classroom use or to use them at home but do not use them commercially.

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