VCCV Hornet Words List (R-Controlled Syllable Division)

In teaching syllable division, we know the VCCV pattern is a big one. VCCV is the first pattern we use, giving students that lightbulb moment. Suddenly, long words don’t look so intimidating.

Hornet Words are one of the four VCCV patterns we teach in Orton-Gillingham: Rabbit, Reptile, Candy… and then Hornet.

Hornet words are VCCV words made up of one closed syllable followed by an r-controlled syllable.

How to Divide a Hornet Word

In Hornet Words, one syllable is closed, and the other is R-controlled.

You’ll still divide the word the same way you do for all VCCV words — between the two consonants — but when students read it, they’ll have that bossy “R” changing the vowel sound.

Here’s the quick run-down for dividing Hornet Words:

1. Underline the vowels
2. Mark VCCV starting from the first vowel
3. Divide between the two consonants
4. Label the syllables using REVLOC: one Closed (C), one R-controlled (R)
5. Read the syllables slowly, then blend to read the whole word.

Spotting a Hornet Word: Sometimes the R-controlled syllable comes first (like carpet), sometimes it’s second (like number). Both are still Hornet Words.

If syllable division feels confusing to teach, I walk through the entire structure step-by-step inside Fast Track OG -or- grab the VCCV Hornet Words Packet with activities and readers.

Hornet Words Examples

Here are a few VCCV Hornet Words examples:

R-controlled syllable first:

• carpet divided car/pet
• orbit divided or/bit
• harvest divided har/vest
• perfect divided per/fect

R-controlled syllable second:

• number divided num/ber
• ladder divided lad/der
• silver divided sil/ver
• master divided mas/ter

Teaching Tips + Activities for Practicing Hornet Words

To help students master Hornet Words, make sure they see them, hear them, and write them (that’s how we use multi-sensory learning).

Activity 1: Syllable Card Mix-and-Match. Use syllable cards from your scope and sequence (or make your own). Start with just R-controlled syllables, then mix in closed syllables. Put cards together to form words (and some nonsense words), and have students read them aloud.

Activity 2: Word Division Worksheets. Have students underline vowels, mark VCCV, divide between consonants, and label each syllable with C or R. This reinforces both the pattern and the syllable types.

Activity 3: Nonsense Word Practice. Throw in some made-up Hornet Words. It forces students to truly rely on syllable division skills instead of just recognizing a familiar word.

Activity 4: Pattern Group Practice. Group Hornet Words together and read them in sets. Seeing patterns helps the brain store them more efficiently for spelling and writing later.

Activity 5: Reading Passages. Give students short reading passages that include Hornet Words. You can underline them at first, then gradually remove the markings so they identify the words on their own.

Activity 6: Sentence Writing. Choose a Hornet Word and have students write their own sentence using it. Then, have them read their sentence aloud.

Teaching VCCV syllable division? Grab the full bundle of all VCCV patterns.

Teachers Pay Teachers Shop