SnapPhonics

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PronouncedMAKS

/ˈmæks/noun

The largest or highest amount, number, or level of something.

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Syllables

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1 syllable

Letters

Phonics breakdown

m

Phonics Rule: Letter M

Sound“m”·/m/

The letter M makes the /m/ sound, like in 'map', 'mud', and 'mop'. Both lips press together with voice through the nose.

M is a voiced bilabial nasal — both lips press together while the voice hums through the nose. Double M (mm) makes the same /m/ sound.

Tip

M hums like mmm — press your lips and hum!

Examples

a

Phonics Rule: Short A

Sound“a”·/æ/

The letter A makes a short sound, like in 'cat' and 'bat'.

When the letter A appears in a closed syllable (a syllable that ends with a consonant), it usually makes the short A sound “a”. This is one of the first vowel sounds students learn.

Tip

A says “a” like a cat that sat on a mat.

Examples

x

Phonics Rule: Letter X

Sound“ks”·/ks/

The letter X usually makes the /ks/ sound, like in 'fox', 'box', and 'mix'.

X is unusual — it represents two sounds blended together: /k/ + /s/ = /ks/. At the start of a word it sometimes makes a /z/ sound (xylophone). At the end of words it reliably says /ks/.

Tip

X says /ks/ — like a fox in a box!

Examples

What is SnapPhonics?

A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.

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