Soft C and Soft G for Kids: When C Says S and G Says J (Grade 2 English)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Today we are learning about two letters that can change their sound. The letters c and g each have a hard sound and a soft sound. Let's find out when!

First, the hard sounds. Hard c says k, like in cat, cup and cone. Hard g says g, like in goat, gum and game. These are the sounds you probably already know.

Now the soft sounds. When c comes before e, i or y, it usually says s. Listen. Cent. City. Cycle. The c sounds just like an s!

G follows the same idea. When g comes before e, i or y, it often says j. Listen. Gem. Giant. Gym. The g sounds like a j!

The soft sound also happens at the end of words with a silent e. Face, rice and ice all have soft c. Page, cage and huge all have soft g. The e is the clue.

Watch out for rule breakers! G is trickier than c. Get, girl and give all have hard g, even with e or i after it. If a word sounds strange, try the other sound.

Now it's your turn. Look at the word circus. It has two c's. Which c is soft and which is hard? Pause and try. The first c comes before i, so it is soft. The second c is hard.

Great job! C and g are usually soft before e, i or y. Soft c says s and soft g says j. Watch for rule breakers! Practice soft c and soft g in the English Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!