The "ew" sound
long u as in new · Vowel teams
Two vowels team up to make one long u sound. Teach the sound before the spelling: say long u as in new until your child can hear it inside a word, then show them the letters that make it.
ew
long u as in new
"ew" words
- new
- grew
- flew
- chew
- screw
- stew
Teach it in four steps
- Say long u as in new on its own, five times, with no letters visible.
- Show the letters "ew" and say the sound together.
- Read new, grew, flew, chew, screw and listen for it each time.
- Cover the words. Your child writes two of them from memory.
Common questions
What sound does "ew" make?
"ew" says long u as in new. Two vowels team up to make one long u sound.
What are some "ew" words?
new, grew, flew, chew, screw, stew.
How do you teach the "ew" sound?
Sound before symbol. Say long u as in new on its own until your child can hear it, then show the letters, then read words containing it. Finish by having them write two words from memory.
When should children learn "ew"?
Once single-letter sounds and simple CVC blending are secure — usually late kindergarten or first grade.
Play the "ew" game
Sound Wheels plays the sound in a real human voice and builds words with it.
Play freeTeacher or school? See classroom pricing