Magic e Words: Phonics Game and Examples
Magic e (also called a split digraph or silent e) changes the vowel sound: add an e to the end of cap and it becomes cape, with a long a sound.
🔤 Play the magic e (split digraphs) game
Tricks that make it easier
- The e is silent but makes the vowel "say its name": a-e in cake, i-e in kite.
- Practise pairs: tap/tape, pin/pine, hop/hope, cub/cube.
- Draw a magic wand from the e back to the vowel.
Common mistakes
- Saying the e out loud.
- Forgetting the e when spelling long vowel words (kit for kite).
- Thinking every final e changes the vowel (some words, like have, are exceptions).
A five-day practice plan
| Day | What to do (10 minutes) |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Play Phonics Sounds on this skill for 5–10 minutes. Read the explanation after every mistake. |
| Day 2 | Learn one trick from this page and use it out loud while you play. |
| Day 3 | Print the worksheet and try it without help. Mark it with the answer key together. |
| Day 4 | Play again and try to beat your personal best score or get three stars. |
| Day 5 | Mix it up: ask your child to explain the skill to you in their own words. |
Suits Grade 1 and Grade 2.
Frequently asked questions
What is magic e?
An e at the end of a word that is silent but makes the earlier vowel say its long sound, like in cake or bike.
What is a split digraph?
Another name for magic e: two vowels (like a and e in cake) split by a consonant, working together to make one sound.
What are some magic e words?
cake, gate, bike, kite, home, rope, cube, tube.