journal
PronouncedJER-nuhl
a daily record or diary where someone writes down their thoughts and experiences; also a magazine or newspaper
Syllables
2 syllables
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Letter J
Sound“j”·/dʒ/
The letter J makes the “j” sound, like in 'jump', 'jar', and 'jet'.
J always makes the “j” sound (like the G in 'gem'). It is a voiced affricate — the tongue briefly stops the airflow then releases with friction.
Tip
J is for jump — feel the “j” when you jump!
Examples
Phonics Rule: OUR says “er”
Sound“er”·/ɜːr/
OUR can make the “er” sound (like 'er' in 'her'), in 'journey' and 'courage'.
In a few words OUR says the “er” sound (same as ER, IR, UR): journey, courage, nourish, flourish, courteous.
Tip
A journey takes courage — journey, courage!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Letter N
Sound“n”·/n/
The letter N makes the /n/ sound, like in 'net', 'nap', and 'nut'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.
N is a voiced alveolar nasal — the tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth while voice hums through the nose. It is one of the most common consonants in English.
Tip
N hums through the nose — say /n/ and feel the buzz!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Schwa
Sound“uh”·/ə/
In unstressed syllables, vowels often make a lazy 'uh' sound called schwa, like the A in 'about'.
Schwa “uh” is the most common vowel sound in English. Any vowel letter can make the schwa sound when it's in an unstressed syllable. It sounds like a quick, lazy 'uh'.
Tip
Schwa is lazy — any vowel can say 'uh' when it's not stressed!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Letter L
Sound“l”·/l/
The letter L makes the /l/ sound, like in 'lamp', 'leg', and 'lip'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.
L is a voiced lateral approximant — the tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth while air flows around the sides. Double L (ll) makes the same /l/ sound.
Tip
L is for lamp — light it up with /l/!
Examples
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