Vietnamese Spelling: c/k, g/gh, ng/ngh

What your child learns

• The first-grade spelling rule: k, gh and ngh go before i, e, ê
• c, g and ng go before the other vowels: a, ă, â, o, ô, ơ, u, ư
• Looking at the vowel right after the gap to choose the right spelling
• Reading and spelling everyday Vietnamese words like cá, kem, gà, ghế, ngô

How to play

1. Look at the picture and listen to the word (tap the picture or the speaker button to hear it again).
2. Tap one of the two letter cards to fill the gap. On a computer, use Tab and Enter.
3. After a right answer, the rule appears, for example "k goes before i, e, ê", and the voice reads it in Vietnamese.
4. After a wrong answer, that card fades and the vowel after the gap is highlighted as a hint.

For parents

• Your child should already read basic Vietnamese (letters and simple syllables), as taught early in first grade; the game practises spelling, not learning to read.
• Words and rules are always read aloud in Vietnamese (northern accent); instructions and praise follow the voice you choose.
• Each pair (c/k, g/gh, ng/ngh) sounds exactly the same, so kids cannot choose by ear; they learn to look at the next letter, just like in Vietnamese first grade.
• It starts with c/k only, with the next vowel already highlighted; g/gh and then ng/ngh appear after several right answers in a row.
• A right answer on the first try earns a star. Progress and difficulty are saved on this device.