slate
nounA smooth grey stone that splits into thin flat sheets, used for roofing and flooring.
nounA piece of dark grey stone or board that you write on with chalk or a special pencil.
nounA bluish-grey colour like the stone slate.
verbTo criticize someone or their work very harshly.
verbTo cover a roof or floor with slate tiles.
adjectiveHaving the bluish-grey colour of slate stone.
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: SL Blend
S and L blend together — you hear both sounds! Like in 'slow' and 'sleep'.
The blend SL combines /s/ and /l/ spoken quickly together.
Examples
Phonics Rule: Silent E with A (Magic E)
In the a-consonant-e pattern, the E at the end is silent and makes the A say its name — like in 'cake' and 'make'. Teachers often call this the Magic E.
In the pattern a-consonant-e (like 'cake'), the final E is silent but it makes the A say its long sound /eɪ/. This is called the 'magic E' or 'silent E' rule.
Tip
Magic E makes A say its name!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Letter T
The letter T makes the /t/ sound, like in 'top', 'tap', and 'ten'. The tongue tip taps behind the upper teeth.
T is a voiceless alveolar stop. The tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth and releases with a puff of air. Double T (tt) makes the same /t/ sound.
Tip
T taps — touch your tongue to make /t/!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Silent E with A (Magic E)
In the a-consonant-e pattern, the E at the end is silent and makes the A say its name — like in 'cake' and 'make'. Teachers often call this the Magic E.
In the pattern a-consonant-e (like 'cake'), the final E is silent but it makes the A say its long sound /eɪ/. This is called the 'magic E' or 'silent E' rule.
Tip
Magic E makes A say its name!
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.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.