Spelling Rules

Here are the first spelling rules that students should know.

• Every word has at least one vowel.
• Every syllable has one vowel.
• C can say /k/ or /s/. C says /s/ before an e, i, or y (cent, city, cycle). It says /k/ before everything else (cat, clip).
• G can say /g/ or /j/. G may say /j/ before an e, i, or y (gem, giant, gym). It says /g/ before everything else (garden, glad).
• Q is always followed by a u (queen).
• Double the consonants f, l, and s at the end of a one-syllable word that has just one vowel (stiff, spell, pass).
• To spell the sound of /k/ at the end of a word, use ck or k. Use ck after a short vowel (sick). After everything else, use a k (milk).
• Capitalize names.

After your student has mastered the above spelling rules and applies them consistently, go on to this next set of rules.

• A, e, o, and u usually say their name at the end of a syllable (a-pron, me, go, u-nit).
• Words do not end in v or j. We add a silent-e at the end of the word (have).
• Contractions replace letter(s) with an apostrophe to shorten a phrase (I've represents I have).
• I and o may say /i/ and /o/ before two consonants (kind, sold).
• /J/ is spelled dge after a short vowel (edge).
• Capitalize the names of places (Florida).