Why H is Not a Vowel
Consonants vs. Vowels and Why H is Not a Vowel

If you search the internet for answers, you will find two explanations for why H is not a vowel. The most common is Explanation #1 below, but both are valid. I will lay out each and you can decide what to teach to your student. But first, let’s review:
Vowel and Consonant Review
A consonant is a sound in speech that is made by using a part of your mouth to partially obstruct the airflow to change the sound in some way. You may or may not use your vocal cords to make a consonant sound.
When making a vowel sound, no part of your mouth is blocking the airflow. Also, using your vocal cords is always required.
If you are confused by what it means to use your vocal cords, read on.

Explanation #1
This explanation is what I taught my students for decades and is most commonly found on the internet. If you don’t feel it thoroughly explains why H is categorized as a consonant, read on to Explanation #2.
When making the sounds of the letters, sometimes you are using your voice and sometimes you are not. When you are using your voice, your vocal cords are vibrating. When you are not using your voice, your vocal cords are not vibrating (like when you whisper).
For example, if you compare the sounds to F and V, you will notice that the movement of your mouth is exactly the same for both sounds. The only difference is that you are using your vocal cords to make the V sound and for the F sound, you are not using your voice. Another example would be S and Z. You are using your vocal cords to make the Z sound and for the S sound, you are not.
Many people get confused and think they are using their voice when they actually are not, or vice versa. Or they have no idea at all what we mean by voice or vocal cords. Let’s do a little experiment, shall we? Place your tongue against your teeth and get ready to make the S sound. During this experiment, you will leave your mouth in that position until we are finished. Place your palm over your throat so it covers as much of your throat as possible. Remember, once you begin making the series of sounds, keep your tongue in place.
Begin making the sound of S, and keep doing that for two or three seconds.
Don’t stop. Now switch to the Z sound and keep that up for two or three seconds. One more time, switch to the S sound without stopping and then, again, the Z sound. The vibration you feel in your throat when making the Z sound (kind of like you’re humming) is your vocal cords. That is your “voice.”
You always use your voice when making all vowel sounds. When you make the H sound, you are not using your voice. In order to qualify as a vowel, you must use your vocal cords and therefore H is not a vowel.
On rare occasions, the above does not satisfy the student, and so I go to the next explanation.
Explanation #2

Classifying H as a consonant has to do with the sound’s role in the syllable. This is going to get a little technical, so if you don’t geek out on this kind of thing or you have a feeling that you’re about to slip down a rabbit hole, reconsider reading further. You don’t have to know everything.
If you made it to this paragraph, you must really want to know! Here we go… Although syllables often have consonants, every single syllable always has a vowel. Even if that syllable is one letter, as in the A in about, the syllable has a vowel. Every time you have to reset your mouth to make a new syllable, a vowel is always involved.
If you try to say too many consonants at once, you will have a difficult time. This is because you need a vowel to take you from one consonant (or group of consonants) to another. Vowels are like a bridge between consonants. Another analogy would be that a syllable is like a sandwich. The vowels are like the meat in a sandwich, and the consonants are the slices of bread: C (bread) A (meat) T (bread). The function of the A in the middle is to connect the sounds of the consonants.
The H doesn’t function as the meat in the sandwich; it does not serve as a bridge from one (or more) consonant to another. The H always functions as the bread in a syllable, always — unless it is silent, in which case it is neither a vowel nor a consonant because it has no sound. In summary, H does not do the job of a vowel. It functions as a consonant.
I hope this has helped you!
Veronica Blade
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Why should I choose First Step Phonics products?
Because learning to read should be simple and fun! Check out this video to see why First Step Phonics is the most straightforward phonics program out there—and how it helps kids (and beginners of any age) build strong reading skills with confidence.
Does Level 1 really stick to three-letter words?
It sure does! All 30 stories in our Level 1 early-reader books focus on short vowels and contain only simple three-letter words. A few common sight words like the, of, and to are included to make sentences flow naturally.
Level One has ALL of the following qualities:
- Three-letter words only
- No extra symbols
- Very few words per page
- Minimum use of words that don't follow the rules for this level
- Grammatically correct sentences
- Full-color, engaging illustrations
- Simple stories with a plot and resolution
What makes First Step Phonics different from Bob Books and other popular reading programs?
Our program is designed to make phonics truly simple. Watch our short video comparing our program to Bob Books.
The First Step Phonics program teaches reading one simple step at a time. Each full-color book features real stories, easy-to-follow sentences, and only the sounds your student has already learned—plus one new skill. Our matching workbooks reinforce each lesson with fun, hands-on practice to help build confidence and lasting reading success.
Are the early-reader books illustrated in full color?
Yes! Every story features bright, full-color illustrations and engaging plots designed to keep kids excited about reading from cover to cover.
If I buy all your products, what will it cost?
The more you bundle, the more you save! Check out our bundle options [here] (add link) to find the best value for your learner.
Is there a level for kids who don’t read at all?
Yes! Our Transitional Kindergarten workbooks are the perfect place to start: Worksheets that prepare children for kindergarten, focusing on hand-eye coordination, critical thinking, phonemic awareness, and more.
- Books 1–3 cover uppercase and lowercase letters, matching them, and alphabet order.
- Books 4–6 introduce the sounds each letter makes—the foundation for reading success.
First Books (13 books + 2 workbooks): Short early readers that gradually introduce each new sound and provide practice for every letter in the alphabet—except Q!
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Our program takes readers all the way from Pre-K through Grade 2, building strong phonics and decoding skills step by step.
Are these materials only for children?
Not at all! First Step Phonics is designed for anyone learning to read English—from young children to adults and ESL learners.
What reading levels do your products cover?
Our program takes readers all the way from Pre-K through Grade 2, building strong phonics and decoding skills step by step.
What does each level focus on?
Transitional Kindergarten: Hand-eye coordination, critical thinking, and early phonemic awareness.
First Books: Short early readers introducing each new sound and every letter (except Q).
Level 0: Alphabet recognition and sequence, as well as letter sounds.
Level 1: Blending short-vowel three-letter words.
Level 2: Consonant blends (4–7 letter words).
Level 3: Long vowels (silent “E” words).
Level 4: Vowel blends (AI, EE, OE, and more).
Why is phonics so important when learning to read?
Phonics is the foundation of reading. It teaches learners to understand the sounds that letters and letter combinations make—so they can decode new words instead of memorizing them. Once your student understands phonics, they have the tools to sound out new, unfamiliar words and the ability to read confidently for life.
Teaching phonics
How young can my child start learning phonics?
Every child is different! Some are ready to begin as early as age three, while others may not be ready until six or later. It all depends on your child’s attention span, motivation, and interest in learning.
Can I teach my child myself?
Absolutely! If you have the time and patience, you can successfully teach your child using our Teaching Manual: How to Teach Anyone to Read. You’ll also find helpful tips and free resources on our FREE Resources tab at the top of this page.
What should my student do after finishing all 5 First Step Phonics levels?
Once your student completes Level 4, they’ll be ready for more advanced reading skills—like silent letters, multi-syllable words, and complex patterns. You’ll find guidance for these next steps in our teaching manual, How to Teach Anyone to Read.
Do you have any tips for new teachers?
Patience is key! Many new readers spend months—or even years—just learning to read simple three-letter words. Encouragement and consistency go a long way. You can also explore our teaching videos, FREE Resources, and the How to Teach Anyone to Read manual for more tips and best practices.
Are First Step Phonics materials suitable for non-English speakers?
Yes! Our program works wonderfully for both children and adults who are learning English. Because our system teaches reading through phonics, it also helps learners pronounce words correctly and improve comprehension.
Can the workbook pages be torn out?
The pages aren’t perforated, but they can be removed with scissors or carefully torn along the binding if you prefer to use them individually.
How can I determine my student’s current reading level?
Watch our video on assessing reading levels and remedying reading difficulties, or check out this page for a step-by-step overview.