Double Letters: ff, ll, ss, zz

Grade level

1st grade

Time

About 15 minutes

Topic

Digraphs and blends

Answer key

Yes, page 2 of the PDF

Kids practice

Digraphs, Consonant blends, Spelling rules, Decoding longer words

What kids do

“Two of the same letter, one sound! Read, trace, find and fill in the ff, ll, ss and zz words.”

Printed on the sheet:

1. 2. Read and trace
2. After a short vowel, f, l, s and z often come in twos at the end
3. 3. Color every word with ff or ll or ss or zz
4. 4. Write ff, ll, ss or zz to finish each word
5. 5. Read the sentence. Trace the ff and ll and ss and zz words.
6. The bee will buzz at the doll in the dress.
7. 6. Draw a bee on a bell

Teacher tip

Teach the floss rule: after a short vowel, f, l, s and z double.

How to use it

• Say each blend slowly, then quickly, so kids hear both sounds.
• Highlight the digraph or blend in each word before reading.
• Use the sheet as a quick check after you teach the sound, then reteach in a small group.

Watch for

Kids who drop one sound of a blend, like “fog” for frog. Ask them to stretch the word.

Talk about it

• Do you hear two sounds or one new sound?
• What sound does this letter or letter team make?

Take it further

Go on a digraph hunt in a classroom book and tally sh, ch and th.

US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.