What is the kiss the cat rule

Kiss the Cat Rule Poster

Spelling is a critical part of written communication. Spelling skills and reading skills are closely related and both help develop literacy. Learning spelling rules helps students see the patterns in words and make connections between words they know and words they dont know.

What is the Kiss the Cat Rule?

Use c to spell the /c/ sound whenever you can. But watch out for the vowels e, i, and y. Use a k to spell the /k/ sound when the /k/ sound comes before an e, I, or y. When a c comes before an e, i, or y, it makes the /s/ sound.

Explicitly teaching spelling rules and how they also apply to reading benefits all students and is especially effective for struggling/ dyslexic students.

When I teach this rule, I explicitly explain the rule and we practice reading and spelling words with the /c/ sound. When spelling, I teach my students to use a blank line when they hear the /c/ sound and look at the vowel that comes next. They then decide if they need to use a c or a k and I have them verbally explain why and how they know. Once students are confident with the rule, I take those scaffolds away. If they make a mistake, I prompt them by saying:

1.What are the watch out vowels?

2.What letter do we use for the /k/ sound if we have a watch out vowel?

3.What sound does a c make if it comes before a watch out vowel?

If you have any questions, please email me directly at [email protected]