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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.
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. |
The combination of the vowels “e” and “a” typically result in a long e sound. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, e.g., bread and wealth, which result in a short e sound. The exceptions are noted in a separate table below. The ”ee” spelling words and “ea” spelling words” make the long…
Spelling counts! That’s my son’s fifth grade teacher’s motto. She believes written work reflects on the student; no spelling errors indicate high quality work. She further believes that we should prepare our children for the higher grades, college or work force. In these environments it is not acceptable to have spelling errors in your work….
The prefix, under- , implies too little; below. Words with the Prefix Under- Word Definition underarm under the arm or in the armpit underbrush shrubs and small trees growing among large trees underclothes underwear; clothes worn under outer clothes undercooked not cooked enough undercurrent the flow of water that moves below the surface underdog a…
Prefixes are small but meaningful groups of letters that when added to the beginning of a word contributes to its meaning. Numbers prefixes tell you how many there are of a particular thing. Numbers Prefix The list below contains prefixes expressing number.
The prefix, dys-, indicates abnormal, impaired, difficult or bad. Words with the Prefix Dys- Word Definition dyscrasia an abnormal bodily condition caused by poisons in the blood dysentery a disease marked especially by severe bloody diarrhea (adj. dysenteric) dysfunction not performing normally, as an organ or structure of the body; malfunctioning (adj. dysfunctional) dysgenic pertaining…
The prefixes, e- and ex-, indicates out, away, out of or outside. Note: the prefix ex- can also mean former, e.g., ex-president. Words with the Prefix E- and Ex- Word Definition eave the lower edge of a roof that sticks out past the wall ebb to flow out or away eccentric not of the usual…