ی has multiple jobs. As a consonant: /j/ (like English 'y' in 'yes'). As a vowel: /iː/ (long ee) or /eː/ (long e). The letter is part of the broader 'ye' family with بڑی ye (ے). Children must learn when to use ی (almost always except word-final after vowel) vs ے (word-final after a consonant in many cases). Reading widely teaches it. The same word can change meaning by switching ی and ے, for example دعی vs دعے have related but distinct uses. Stroke timings approximate.

Choosing ی or ے correctly at word-end is a fluent reader's skill. Name the choice, not just the writing.