The Soft C Rule

The Soft C Rule is an easy way to determine when the letter c in a word is pronounced as a “soft” c using the /s/ sound. Mastering this useful rule makes words that have a c easier to spell and is crucial for long-term reading fluency.

Take a quick spin with Bumble in this fun, short video as he reviews the Soft C Rule. Then read on for a sample lesson, a free practice activity, and a printable Soft C Rule poster featuring everyone’s favorite spelling bee … Bumble!

What is the Soft C Rule?

The Soft C Rule is this:

If the letter c is followed by e, i, or y, it says /s/.

That’s it!

If the letter c is before an e it says /s/, as in the words “nice” and “race.”

If the letter c is before an i it says /s/, as in the words “circle” and “city.”

If the letter c is before a y it says /s/, as in the words “fancy” and “cycle.”

Many tips and tricks such as the Soft C Rule are taught in the All About Spelling and All About Reading programs. Check out these free resources for additional support when teaching the Soft C Rule.

Download All About Spelling Level 1, Lesson 16.

This Level 1 spelling lesson shows how we teach the Soft C Rule, that is, when to pronounce the letter c in a word as an /s/, and when to use c or k to spell the initial sound of /k/ in a word.

Watch as Linda demonstrates how to teach AAS Level 1, Lesson 16.

This video demonstration from Level 1 shows how we use letter tiles to teach important spelling rules like the Kids’ Club Rule.

Download our free Spelling Rules Posters.

This handy resource will help make learning three important spelling rules fun and easy to remember for your children.

Visit our Kids’ Club Rule blog post for a short video on when to use c or k at the beginning of a word.