{"id":32872,"date":"2024-10-24T09:18:50","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T17:18:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/?p=32872"},"modified":"2025-06-05T13:36:50","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T21:36:50","slug":"spelling-rules-and-patterns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/printables-and-worksheets\/spelling-rules-and-patterns\/32872","title":{"rendered":"Spelling Rules and Patterns Kids Should Know + Free Printable Spelling Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Colorful<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

Spelling Rules and Patterns Kids Should Know + Free Printable Spelling Guide<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Take the guesswork out of spelling with a free printable list of essential spelling rules for kids. <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n

By Jill Staake<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by Dr. Nika Fabienke<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Table of Contents<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

How to Use Spelling Rules<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beginning Spelling Rules <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spelling Rules about the Letter Y<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spelling Rules About C and G<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Plural Words Spelling Rules<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ends of Words Spelling Rules <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prefixes and Suffixes Spelling Rules<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Print Top 15 Spelling Rules for Kids <\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe baby played while his neighbor laid great plates of gauges on the conveyor.\u201d Sentences like that one cause people to say that English spelling is just too hard to learn. After all, there are eight different spellings of the long A sound in that sentence alone! But in reality, linguists estimate that 70-85% of English words follow standard spelling rules<\/strong>, and knowing those rules can be incredibly helpful to new readers and English language learners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In reading instruction, words that follow standard spelling patterns are known as decodable words<\/a><\/strong> or regularly spelled words. These words can typically be sounded out using the phonics rules<\/a> children have learned. These same words are also the first that students learn to spell and write on their own.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Words that don\u2019t follow standard spelling rules are known as irregularly spelled words<\/strong> and are usually taught as high-frequency words<\/a> (also known as sight words<\/a>), which often require children to note the way in which the word \u201cbreaks the rules,\u201d then memorize the correct spelling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip:<\/strong> We recommend using these rules in conjunction with our How to Teach Spelling<\/a> guide and lists of spelling words for kindergarten<\/a>, first grade<\/a>, and second grade<\/a>. Our free printable spelling worksheets<\/a> are also a great resource for kindergarteners and first graders.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

How to Use Spelling Rules<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve rounded up 37 English spelling rules that govern a great many of the most commonly used words. That\u2019s a lot of rules to memorize, so don\u2019t try to introduce them all at once<\/strong>. Instead, begin with those in the \u201cBasic Spelling Rules\u201d<\/strong> section, since they cover simple rules children should learn first as they\u2019re the most general and widely-applicable rules.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then, share spelling rules with children at the same time they learn the associated phonics rules for reading<\/strong>. In other words, there\u2019s no need to share the silent-e rule right away, since most learners don\u2019t tackle words with silent-e<\/a> spellings until they\u2019re a little more advanced. Instead, focus on rules like Gentle Cindy (when to use hard and soft c<\/em> and g<\/em>) or using -es<\/em> to pluralize words ending in s, x, z, ch<\/em>, or sh<\/em>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an experienced English speaker, you probably don\u2019t think about most of these rules when you spell\u2013they become ingrained and natural over time. Don\u2019t worry if your child doesn\u2019t memorize all the rules. Use them to introduce new concepts, and then return to them as needed<\/strong> to help your child in areas where they struggle.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Spelling Rules for Children<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beginning Spelling Rules <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Teach these rules to those just learning to read and write in English. They\u2019re relatively simple and tend to have few exceptions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
    \n
  1. Every syllable has at least one vowel, which may be a y<\/em>. <\/strong>
    <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Examples:<\/strong> re<\/strong>-me<\/strong>m-be<\/strong>r, u<\/strong>n-de<\/strong>r-sta<\/strong>nd, bi<\/strong>-cy<\/strong>-cle<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n
      \n
    1. Q<\/em> is always followed by u<\/em>.<\/strong>
      <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Examples:<\/strong> qu<\/strong>een, qu<\/strong>estion, requ<\/strong>est <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
      \n
        \n
      1. Apostrophes can take the place of a missing letter. <\/strong>
        <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Examples:<\/strong> it\u2019<\/strong>s (it i<\/strong>s), don\u2019<\/strong>t (do no<\/strong>t)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
        \n
          \n
        1. Floss Rule: When a word ends in a short vowel sound followed by f, l, s, <\/em>or z<\/em>, double the final consonant.<\/strong>
          <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Examples:<\/strong> floss, ball, miss, buzz <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/div>\n\n\n\n

          Exceptions:<\/strong> bus, focus <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

          Spelling Rules about the Letter Y <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Use these rules to help understand more about the letter y<\/em>, which can be a little tricky. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
          \n
            \n
          1. Rules for Y <\/em>to I<\/em>: If a word ends with a consonant + y,<\/em> change the y<\/em> to i<\/em> before adding a suffix. If the suffix begins with i<\/em> (e.g. -ing<\/em>), leave the y<\/em>.<\/strong>
            <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Examples:<\/strong> Examples: happy\u2013happi<\/strong>ness, try\u2013trying<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
            \n
              \n
            1. If a word ends with a vowel + y<\/em>, keep the y<\/em> when adding a suffix.<\/strong>
              <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Examples:<\/strong> enjoy\u2013enjoy<\/strong>ed, play\u2013play<\/strong>ful<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
              \n
                \n
              1. At the beginning of a word or syllable, y<\/em> is a consonant and stands for the \/y\/ sound. <\/strong>
                <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Examples:<\/strong> y<\/strong>ellow, y<\/strong>awn, bey<\/strong>ond<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                \n
                  \n
                1. At the end of a one-syllable word, y<\/em> is a vowel that stands for the long \/i\/ sound. <\/strong>
                  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  Examples:<\/strong> my<\/strong>, by<\/strong>, cry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                    \n
                  1. At the end of a two-syllable or longer word, y<\/em> is a vowel that stands for the long \/e\/ sound. <\/strong>
                    <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    Examples:<\/strong> happy<\/strong>, temporary<\/strong>, vocabulary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                    Spelling Rules About C and G  <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    The letters c<\/em> and g<\/em> stand for multiple sounds, but the rules that govern them are relatively consistent.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                      \n
                    1. Gentle Cindy Rule: C<\/em> and g<\/em> stand for their \u201csoft sound\u201d (\/s\/ and \/j\/) when following i, e, <\/em>or y<\/em>. They stand for their hard sounds (\/k\/ and \/g\/) in all other cases.  <\/strong>
                      <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                      Examples:<\/strong> creek (hard c<\/em>), going (hard g<\/em>), cereal (soft c<\/em>), giant (soft g<\/em>) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                      Exceptions:<\/strong> G<\/em> tends to have more exceptions, often when followed by i<\/em>. Words pronounced with a hard g<\/em> include gift, girl, give,<\/em> and get<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                        \n
                      1. I<\/em> Before E<\/em>, Except After C<\/em>: In most words, use -ie<\/em>. If the vowel team comes after c<\/em>, use -ei<\/em>.<\/strong>
                        <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                        Examples:<\/strong> fie<\/strong>rce, frie<\/strong>nd, recei<\/strong>pt, cei<\/strong>ling <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                        Exceptions:<\/strong> There are many exceptions to this rule, such as seize, leisure, weird, neither their, neighbor, height,<\/em> etc. These words must simply be memorized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                          \n
                        1. K<\/em> Takes I<\/em> or E<\/em>; C <\/em>Takes the Other Three: When a word starts with the \/k\/ sound, it\u2019s usually spelled with a c<\/em> if it\u2019s followed by a, o, <\/em>or u<\/em>. If it\u2019s followed by i<\/em> or e<\/em>, it starts with k<\/em>.<\/strong>
                          <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                          Examples:<\/strong> ca<\/strong>t, co<\/strong>ol, cu<\/strong>sp, ke<\/strong>lp, ki<\/strong>te<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                            \n
                          1. If a one-syllable word ends in a short vowel sound plus the hard c<\/em> sound (\/k\/), it usually ends in -ck<\/em>.<\/strong>
                            <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                            Examples:<\/strong> back<\/strong>, neck<\/strong>, snack<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                            \n
                              \n
                            1. If a two or more-syllable word ends in the hard c<\/em> sound (\/k\/), it\u2019s usually spelled with a -c<\/em>. <\/strong>
                              <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                              Examples:<\/strong> basic<\/strong>, generic<\/strong>, chronic<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                              \n
                                \n
                              1. When adding a suffix that starts with i <\/em>or e<\/em> to a word ending in c<\/em>, use -ck<\/em> to preserve the hard c<\/em> sound.<\/strong>
                                <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                Examples:<\/strong> panic\u2013panick<\/strong>ing, picnic\u2013picnick<\/strong>ed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                \n
                                  \n
                                1. If a word ends in a long vowel sound, diphthong (like -oo<\/em>), or consonant plus the \/k\/ sound, it usually ends in just -k<\/em>.<\/strong>
                                  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                  Examples:<\/strong> soak<\/strong>, book<\/strong>, milk<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                  Exceptions:<\/strong> zinc, arc, disc, talc <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                  \n
                                    \n
                                  1. For words ending in -ce<\/em> and -ge<\/em>, keep the final e<\/em> when adding a suffix that begins with a<\/em> or o<\/em> to preserve the soft sound.<\/strong>
                                    <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                    Examples:<\/strong> notice\u2013notice<\/strong>able, courage\u2013courage<\/strong>ous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                    \n
                                      \n
                                    1. If a word ends in -ic<\/em>, add -ally<\/em> to form the adverb.<\/strong>
                                      <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                      Examples:<\/strong> basic\u2013basically<\/strong>, tragic\u2013tragically<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                      Exception:<\/strong> public\u2013publicly<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                      Get Spelling Tips from One of Our Curriculum Experts!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                      <\/div>
                                      <\/div>
                                      <\/div><\/div><\/div>
                                      <\/div>
                                      <\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div>
                                      View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
                                      <\/div>
                                      <\/div>
                                      <\/div>
                                      <\/div><\/div>
                                      <\/div>
                                      <\/div><\/div>
                                      <\/div>
                                      <\/div>
                                      <\/div><\/div><\/div>
                                      <\/div>
                                      <\/div><\/div><\/a>

                                      A post shared by ABCmouse (@abcmouse)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n