Short and Long Vowel A Worksheet - Free Printable

Let's solve this worksheet step by step. The goal is to identify whether the underlined word has a long /a/ sound (like in "cake") or a short /a/ sound (like in "cat").

---

Part 1: Does the underlined word have a Long /a/ or Short /a/ sound?

We’ll analyze each sentence:

1. Her little *cat*, Fluffy, ate all his food.
- The word "cat" has a short /a/ sound.
✔ Short /a/

2. We like to *play* on the swings at the park.
- The word "play" has a long /a/ sound (pronounced like "ay").
✔ Long /a/

3. Last night, my mom and I *ate* pizza.
- The word "ate" is pronounced with a long /a/ sound (like "ay").
✔ Long /a/

4. He put the eggs into the hot *pan*.
- The word "pan" has a short /a/ sound.
✔ Short /a/

---

Part 2: Circle the correct /a/ sound for each word

Now, let’s determine if each word has a long or short /a/ sound.

1. hat
- Pronounced "hat" → short /a/
✔ Short /a/

2. day
- Pronounced "day" → long /a/
✔ Long /a/

3. wait
- Pronounced "wayt" → long /a/
✔ Long /a/

4. can
- Pronounced "can" → short /a/
✔ Short /a/

5. map
- Pronounced "map" → short /a/
✔ Short /a/

6. fade
- Pronounced "fayd" → long /a/
✔ Long /a/

---

✔ Final Answers:

#### Part 1:
1. cat → Short /a/
2. play → Long /a/
3. ate → Long /a/
4. pan → Short /a/

#### Part 2:
1. hat → Short /a/
2. day → Long /a/
3. wait → Long /a/
4. can → Short /a/
5. map → Short /a/
6. fade → Long /a/

---

📝 Explanation:

- Short /a/ sounds are typically found in words like "cat," "hat," "can," "map" — where the "a" makes a quick, clipped sound.
- Long /a/ sounds are heard in words like "day," "play," "wait," "fade" — where the "a" sounds like the letter name "A" (as in "say").

This helps children distinguish between different vowel sounds in English.

Let me know if you'd like a printable version or a visual guide!