The "ou" sound
/ou/ as in cloud · Diphthongs
The R (or vowel pair) changes the vowel sound: /ou/ as in cloud. Teach the sound before the spelling: say /ou/ as in cloud until your child can hear it inside a word, then show them the letters that make it.
ou
/ou/ as in cloud
"ou" words
- cloud
- house
- mouse
- out
- found
- round
Teach it in four steps
- Say /ou/ as in cloud on its own, five times, with no letters visible.
- Show the letters "ou" and say the sound together.
- Read cloud, house, mouse, out, found and listen for it each time.
- Cover the words. Your child writes two of them from memory.
Common questions
What sound does "ou" make?
"ou" says /ou/ as in cloud. The R (or vowel pair) changes the vowel sound: /ou/ as in cloud.
What are some "ou" words?
cloud, house, mouse, out, found, round.
How do you teach the "ou" sound?
Sound before symbol. Say /ou/ as in cloud 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 "ou"?
Once single-letter sounds and simple CVC blending are secure — usually late kindergarten or first grade.
Play the "ou" game
Sound Wheels plays the sound in a real human voice and builds words with it.
Play freeTeacher or school? See classroom pricing