What words are in the 'an' word family?

The 'an' word family includes simple CVC words like can, man, fan, pan, van, ran, and tan. These words all share the same ending sound '-an' (short 'a' + 'n').

How do I teach the 'an' sound?

Start by teaching the individual sounds /a/ (like apple) and /n/ (like nose). Then practice blending them together: /a/ + /n/ = 'an'. Finally, add beginning sounds like /c/ for 'can' or /m/ for 'man'.

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Short 'a' Sound • Popular Family

The '-an' Word Family

Once children know '-at' words, the '-an' family is the perfect next step! It helps them practice the /a/ and /n/ sound combination.

7 Words

🔊 Audio

🎮 Quiz

Learn the '-an' Words

Click the 🔊 Play button to hear each word

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CAN

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MAN

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FAN

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PAN

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VAN

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RAN

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TAN

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Teaching Tip

Focus on the ending sound /nnnn/. Hold the 'n' sound longer. Say "C-A-Nnnnn... CAN!"

🎮 Interactive Quiz

Practice Time: Find the Word

Look at the picture and tap the correct word!

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What word is this?

Score: 0 / 2

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What's Next?

Continue your child's reading journey

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Next Lesson

'-ig' Word Family

Learn short 'i' words like big, pig, dig, wig and more!

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Overview

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