When learning to read, patterns are important. Children recogznize word patterns as opposed to sounding out words. When a learner knows the word 'cat' the pattern to teach is then mat, sat, fat. etc. Over emphasis on phonics will result in 'cu' 'a' 'tuh', the child makes a three syllable word from 1 syllable. This is why it's critical to teach patterns through word families - rhyming words. The printable word families are listed by vowel:
