Grades 3–4
Spelling Sort: -ge or -dge?
Twelve words to finish with -ge or -dge and sort, a short-vowel rule like -ck and -tch.
Writing worksheet · Spelling and word sorts
Plurals: Add -s, -es or -ies?
Twelve nouns to sort by their plural ending, with toy and key as traps, then the plurals to write.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–4
- Time
- About 20 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
“Most words add -s. Words ending in s, x, sh or ch add -es. A consonant + y changes to -ies. Sort the words, then write each plural.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Change y to -ies
- Write the plural of six of the words.
Words on this sheet
bookboxlunchberrybabytoyAdd -sbuspuppyAdd -esfrogdishcitykey
Teacher tip
Have kids say each plural out loud. If it adds a syllable, like boxes, it usually needs -es.
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.
- Give a minute at the end to reread the work out loud to a partner.
Watch for
Frustration on long lists. Split the sheet into two short sessions.
Talk about it
- How can you check if a word is spelled right?
- What did you change when you reread your work?
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
Grades 3–5
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.
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.
Grades 4–5
Spelling Sort: -er or -or?
Twelve people words like teacher and sailor to finish with -er or -or and sort.
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