Evidence-based curriculum for ages 2-8

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Free printable long o word lists from ABCmouse.com.

120+ Long O Words List (Free Printable Lists)

Grow your child’s understanding of the long o sound (/ō/) with comprehensive word lists, teaching tips, and activities.

Long o word lists can help children learn to identify and better understand the long o sound (ō) in different spelling patterns, such as words with a silent -e, vowel teams like -oa, -ow, and others. Recognizing the long o sound (/ō/) is an important part of phonics instruction, as it helps children with decoding and spelling.

This collection includes both beginner and advanced words, words used in everyday context, and engaging activities to help reinforce learning. Print them out as a free downloadable PDF and work with the words that best suit your child’s skill level. 

Free printable long o word lists from ABCmouse.com.

What is the Long O Sound?

The long o sound (/ō/) is heard in words like boat, snow, and go. It can be represented in various ways in writing, such as:

We’ll explore the different ways to create the long o sound (/ō/) in more detail below.

The Different Ways to Spell Long O

The long o sound (/ō/) can appear in words through several distinct spelling patterns. Learning these spelling patterns can help children decode and spell long o words. Here’s a closer look at each pattern:

  1. Open Syllables or O Alone

    This occurs when the letter O appears at the end of an open syllable. An open syllable occurs when a vowel is at the end of a syllable, making the vowel long. However, there are a few exceptions where the long o sound (/ō/) appears in closed syllable words, such as in most and ghost.
  1. Vowel-Consonant-e (VCe)

    This pattern, often called the “magic E,” is one of the most common ways to spell the long o sound (/ō/). For example, in words like hope and cone, the silent -e at the end of the word changes the short o sound (/ǒ/) into a long o sound (/ō/). Understanding this rule helps children distinguish between words like hop and hope or not and note.
  1. Vowel Team -oa

    The vowel team -oa creates the long o sound (/ō/), as in boat or road. Teaching children to recognize it as a vowel team helps them decode these words more easily. Tip: A vowel team is when two or more vowels appear together in a word and combine to create a single vowel sound.
  1. Vowel Team -ow

    The -ow vowel team produces the long o sound (/ō/) in words like snow and grow. This pattern is often found at the end of words, making it easier for young learners to recognize.
  1. Vowel Team -oe

    Similarly to the vowel team -ow, this vowel team is often found at the end of words. It produces the long o sound (/ō/) in words like toe and foe.
  1. -ough Pattern

    The -ough pattern can produce the long o sound (/ō/) in words like though and although. This spelling is not very common, but it’s helpful for advanced learners to understand.

Long O Word Lists

These lists include a mix of simple and more advanced words, making them suitable for learners at various levels.

Long O Words with Open Syllables or O Alone

This list features words with the long o sound (/ō/) in open, multi-syllable words and closed, single -syllable words.

Long O Words with Vowel-Consonant-e

These words feature the long o sound (/ō/) where the letter O is followed by a consonant and a silent -e.

Long O Words with the Vowel Team -oa

These words feature the long o sound (/ō/) created by the vowel team -oa.

Long O Words with the Vowel Team -ow

These words feature the long o sound (/ō/) created by the vowel team -ow.

Long O Words with the Vowel Team -oe

These words feature the long o sound (/ō/) created by the vowel team -oe.

Long O Words with -ough

These words feature the long o sound (/ō/) created by the -ough pattern.

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Long O Words Used in Sentences

Using long o words in sentences helps children understand their meanings and how to use them in everyday conversation.

Long O Word Activities

Long Vowel Sounds Worksheets:

Our free printable Long Vowel Sounds Worksheets can help your child practice their understanding of long vowels through fun coloring pages and crossword puzzles.

Free printable long vowel sounds worsksheets from ABCmouse.com.

Long O Sound Freeze Dance

 Long O Rhyme Match

Long O Spelling Hop

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