How do you get kids to hear those short vowels?! This has been a challenge, especially for the English Language Learners in my class. 

Here are a couple tips from Ms. E: 

1. Try saying each short vowel sound to yourself.  Notice how little difference there is between short e and short I, for example, especially in how little your mouth/throat/tongue change.  It will seem challenging at first, but keep practicing and give it time.  

2. It also makes a huge difference to give a gesture and even a sample word for each one.

A – apple and pretend to bite an apple

E – Think of edge of table or desk. Ms. E loves this one because you can just point to it, rub your finger along the edge and not have to say a word when coaching.

I – itchy

O- Have students pretend like they are singing opera! Exaggerate it and show your mouth side open. 

U – up while pointing to sky