Common spelling patterns to help our students

This post was originally shared in an email newsletter on August 2, 2022. If you would like to receive the next TLA Newsletter, you can sign up here.

We've talked in the past about how English spelling is not actually as irregular as people think, and in fact only 4% of all English words are truly irregular. In addition, we know that spelling instruction can support reading fluency. Still, many students (and adults) struggle with spelling. The good news is that there are common spelling patterns we can teach our students to make reading and spelling English words easier, and that can help kids understand the logic behind certain spellings. We're going to share some of these rules with you, as well as further resources that might be of help.

The FLOSS Rule

When a one-syllable word ends in F, L, S, or Z, we double the final F, L, S, or Z. Examples: cliff, bell, class, buzz

It's called the FLOSS rule because the word floss follows the rule, and contains the letters F, L, and S to help remind us of the rule!

There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as was, pal, and chef. However, there are many more words that do follow the rule.

The K/CK Rules

When you hear the /k/ sound at the end of a one-syllable word and it immediately follows a short vowel sound, it is spelled with a CK. Examples: sock, truck, neck

If the /k/ sound immediately follows a long vowel sound or a consonant, it is spelled with a K. Examples: milk, sneak, honk

Soft C Rule

C makes the /s/ sound when it comes before E, I, or Y. Examples: cylinder, circle, centipede

This rule is helpful in another way, as well. It actually explains some spelling conventions that may look peculiar at first. Have you ever struggled with spelling the word panicked? It might even look odd to you on the page, because after all, panic does not end in a CK. Knowing the Soft C Rule, the reason becomes more clear. If we didn't add the K before the -ed, we would end up with the C making the /s/ sound in "paniced." We have to add the K to stop the C from being softened by the E (and to prevent the I from becoming a long I!).

Soft G Rule

Similar to the Soft C rule, G makes the /j/ sound only when it comes before E, I, or Y. (Before any other letter, it would make the hard /g/ sound). Examples: gem, giraffe, gym

These are just some of the rules that can help your students master spelling and make more sense of the language. If you'd like to explore spelling patterns further, we recommend the book Uncovering the Logic of English by Denise Eide. You can also follow us on Instagram for posts about spelling rules and many other literacy topics!

What have you found challenging about teaching spelling? Have you used any of these rules in your classroom?

The remainder of this newsletter discussed some of the many partnerships we've been working on, as well as information regarding our upcoming information session for our 12-week flipped model professional development. To register for this event, click here.