What characteristic do CVC word families share?

CVC word families share a characteristic of comprising short vowel sounds, making them among the easiest vowel sounds for early readers to learn. This simplicity is fundamental in helping students develop their phonemic awareness and decoding skills.

CVC stands for consonant-vowel-consonant, which typically includes straightforward, short vowel sounds that are less complex and more accessible for learners who are just beginning to read. For example, words like "cat," "bat," and "dog" provide clear examples of CVC structure, emphasizing the short, distinct sounds that correspond with each letter.

While the other options introduce concepts that may relate to reading development, they do not characterize CVC word families accurately. Long vowel sounds, complex consonant blends, and advanced reading skills are not defining features of CVC structures; rather, they apply to different levels of phonetic understanding and reading proficiency. Thus, the simplicity and short vowel focus of CVC word families make them particularly effective in early literacy education.