Pup

Example Sentences with Pup

• Cute pup.
• Dog pup.
• The cup and the pup both end with the same sound.
• Say "pup" slowly, then say it as one word.

How to Spell “pup”

Children most often write this word as poop, upp, pupp, puup. Those errors are useful — each one points to a specific sound the child has not yet connected to a letter.

1. Start with the picture: <strong>pup</strong> begins with the /p/ sound, so begin with "p".
2. Say the word slowly three times, then write one sound per letter: <strong>p - u - p</strong>.
3. The "u" in <strong>pup</strong> says /ʌ/, not the letter name "uh". The mouth stays relaxed.
4. Blend the last two sounds smoothly: <strong>pu</strong> + <strong>p</strong> = <strong>pup</strong>.

Phonics Tip for Pup

"pup" and "cup" share the ending /ʌp/. Say them back to back so the child hears that only the first sound changes. That is the core of the -up family.

Fun Facts About Pup

Every letter in <strong>pup</strong> carries one sound: p says /p/, u says /ʌ/, p says /p/. That is what makes it fully decodable — a child who knows the three sounds can read <strong>pup</strong> on the first try, with no guessing from the picture. It belongs to the -up family, which has 1 other word in it: cup.

Where to Practise Pup

• All short u CVC words — 47 words
• The -up word family
• CVC flash cards — picture cards with audio
• CVC multiple choice quiz
• CVC sentences — read the word in context
• CVC worksheets