1st grade
One or Two Syllables?
Twelve words to read, clap and sort: frog and ship are one clap, kitten, picnic and lemon are two.
Phonics worksheet · Syllables and word building
c or k at the Start?
A spelling rule kids can use: k before e and i, c everywhere else. Twelve words to sort, from cat and crab to kit and king.
- Grade level
- 1st grade
- Time
- About 15 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Syllables, Prefixes and suffixes, Spelling rules for endings, Compound words
What kids do
“Read each word. Look at the letter after the /k/ sound. Write the word in the right column.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Both say /k/. Use k before e or i (kit, keg). Use c before a, o, u or another consonant (cat, cub, crab).
Words on this sheet
kitcatkingkidcrabcotkeptclapcubkickcobkeg
Teacher tip
Read the rule on the sheet: k before e and i. Check each word against it.
How to use it
- Teach one rule at a time and post it on the board.
- Read each new word in a sentence so kids hear the meaning change.
- Use the sheet as a quick check after you teach the sound, then reteach in a small group.
Watch for
Kids who split syllables by letter count instead of sound. Clap the word again.
Talk about it
- How did the prefix change the meaning?
- How did you figure out that word?
Take it further
Hunt for -ed and -ing words in a story and sort them.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
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