Spelling

Learning to spell is a progressive process (just like reading and writing), which typically begins using inventive spelling and gradually progresses to conventionally correct spelling by the end of second grade.

How to Spell a Word

Word Study

Knowing prefixes, suffixes and root words can help a child unlock the meaning of a word.

Grade	*Spelling Benchmarks (End of Year)*
Kindergarten	Uses inventive spelling; knowledge of letter-sound relationships to attempt to spell words
1st Grade	Spells previously taught words, sight words and frequently used irregular words correctly. Uses inventive spelling to spell untaught words.
2nd Grade	Spells sight words, irregular words and words that follow phonetic generalizations correctly.
3rd Grade	Spells commonly used words correctly. Spelling bees typically begin in this grade.
4th Grade	Uses references to spell words correctly, e.g., dictionary. Look out for those commonly misspelled words.
5th Grade	Uses references to spell words correctly, e.g., dictionary.

Words That Don’t Rhyme

Most English words follow a pattern; they often have similar sounds (rhymes) or spellings. However, there are a few exceptions. In fact, there are a handful of words that do not rhyme with another word. We like to refer to these words as standalones. Words That Don't Rhyme The twenty words

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Homophones

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings. Many children will struggle with using the correct word when writing or reading. We created over 15 homophone worksheets to help your child or student master these words. The three most difficult ones are as

Prefix Multi

The prefix, multi-, implies many, much or more than two. Words with the Prefix Multi- We created the list of words with the prefix multi- by referencing two dictionaries: Merriam-Webster Children's Dictionary and Merriam-Webster's Intermediate Dictionary. We limited these words to those most

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Prefix Mono-

The prefix, mono- and mon-, implies one, single or alone. Words with the Prefix Mono- and Mon- We created the list of words with the prefix mono- and mon- by referencing two dictionaries: Merriam-Webster Children's Dictionary and Merriam-Webster's Intermediate Dictionary. We limited these words

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Prefix Bio

The prefix, bio-, implies of or related to life or living organisms. Words with the Prefix Bio- We created the list of words with the prefix bio- by referencing two dictionaries: Merriam-Webster Children's Dictionary and Merriam-Webster's Intermediate Dictionary. We limited the bio- words to

Long A Sound, List of Long A Words and Worksheets

The long a sound can be spelled several ways. The magic e or final e and the open syllable are the most common ways. In addition, the long a sound can be represented in 2 vowel teams ("ai" and "ay"). Of course, there will be exceptions or odd balls- the irregular vowel team ("ei"). Five Ways