How can I tell when the "y" at the end of a word will sound like "e" or "i"?

Question

Some word that end in y sound like e and some sound like i. How can I know when to say e and when to say i?

Answer 1

Two syllable words that end in Y like baby or story finish with an /e/ sound.

One syllable words like cry, sly, fly end with an /i/ sound.

Answer 2

To keep the explanation simple enough for a student, I first of all explain that one will see the "y that sounds like I" at the end of a short word, one syllable words. The "y that sounds like e" will be at the end of a longer word with 2 syllable or more. Then giving examples of these words reinforce these phonics/spelling rules.

Answer 3

Usually a one syllable word ending in "y" makes a long "I" sound like in fry, try, why.

Usually a two syllable word ending in "y" makes a long "e" sound like in happy, lazy, or many.