ShortConsonant + LE word family
-ple Words
/pษl/ โ words that share the -ple pattern
The -ple ending is a final stable syllable, /pษl/, as in apple and simple. It is one of the most common consonant + le endings in early reading.
How the -ple family works
Keep the ending -ple together, then add or change the beginning sound. Read through the whole word from left to right instead of guessing from its first letter.
7 reviewed examples
-ple word list
Begin with the shorter words. Add the second group only after blends and digraphs in those words have been taught.
Start here
After blends or digraphs
A speaker appears only where a reviewed recording is currently available. Every listed spelling has still been checked for the target pattern.
Listening check
Listen and choose the -ple word
Question 1 of 5
Now read the same words aloud and use one in a sentence.
Explore another familyMove into connected text
Read -ple words in sentences
1Eat the red apple.
2Maple trees are tall.
3Keep it simple.
4She wore a purple coat.
5Staple the pages together.
Ask the learner to underline the -ple word, decode it, and then reread the complete sentence naturally.
Spelling and pronunciation
Keep this family accurate
Count back three letters from the end: ple. Ap-ple and sim-ple both split right before that final chunk.
Five-minute routine
Practise without memorizing the list
Cover the list and reveal one word at a time. Say each sound, blend, then reread the word normally.
Build apple, then exchange its first sound to make another real word from this page.
Read one sentence, dictate one target word, and ask the learner to explain which letters spell the shared ending.
Ready-to-print practice
Print this -ple word lesson
The print layout keeps the reviewed word list, sentences, contrast, and practice routine while removing navigation and audio controls.