Grades 4–5
Spelling Sort: -able or -ible?
Twelve words to finish with -able or -ible and sort, with the whole-word tip for upper grades.
Writing worksheet · Spelling and word sorts
Double, Drop or Just Add -ed?
Twelve verbs to sort by how they take -ed, the doubling and drop-the-e rules, then the past tense to write.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- Time
- About 25 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Spelling patterns, Word study, Spelling rules and generalizations, Self-checking spelling
What kids do
“To add -ed: double the last letter after one short vowel (hop → hopped), drop a silent e (bake → baked) or just add -ed (jump → jumped). Sort the words.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Write the -ed word for each one. Then circle the three you find trickiest.
Words on this sheet
jumphopbakehelpplanhopeJust add -edlookstopsmilerainclapwaveDrop the e
Teacher tip
Make a quick flow chart: Does it end in e? Drop it. Short vowel and one consonant? Double it.
How to use it
- Let kids sort words with a partner first, then check together.
- Have kids say the word slowly and tap the sounds.
- Model the first answer on the board, thinking out loud as you write.
Watch for
Frustration on long lists. Split the sheet into two short sessions.
Talk about it
- Which word broke the rule?
- Where else do writers use this skill?
Take it further
Play a quick spelling relay with whiteboards at the end of the week.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More spelling and word sorts
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Spelling Sort: -er or -or?
Twelve people words like teacher and sailor to finish with -er or -or and sort.
Grades 3–5
Prefixes: dis-, mis- and pre-
Nine words to build with dis-, mis- or pre- from their meanings, like misspell and preheat.
Grades 3–5
Suffixes: -ful, -less and -ness
Ten word meanings to turn into one word with -ful, -less or -ness, including happiness with its y to i.
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