Grades 1–2
Word Shape Boxes
Eight word shapes to fill: kids match each word to its tall, small and tail letter boxes.
Writing worksheet · Spelling and word sorts
Rainbow Write Spelling Words
Rainbow writing for any spelling list: ten words, each written three more times in different colors.
- Grade level
- Grades 1–3
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Spelling patterns, Word study, Spelling rules and generalizations, Self-checking spelling
What kids do
“Write each spelling word. Then write it again in three different colors.”
Teacher tip
Have kids say each letter out loud as they write it in a new color.
How to use it
- Read each word aloud and have kids repeat it before they write.
- Introduce the pattern with a short list on the board and underline it.
- Model the first answer on the board, thinking out loud as you write.
Watch for
Kids who memorize words without the pattern. Ask them to spell a new word with it.
Talk about it
- Which word broke the rule?
- Where else do writers use this skill?
Take it further
Have kids hunt for the pattern in a library book and list what they find.
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
Homophones: Choose the Right Word
Ten sentences with to, two and too; there, their and they’re; hear and here; your and you’re; and its and it’s.
Grades 4–5
Spelling Sort: -le, -el or -al?
Twelve words to finish with -le, -el or -al and sort by ending, a tricky spelling pattern for upper grades.
Grades 2–4
Spot the Correct Spelling
Ten rows of often-misspelled words like because, friend and people: kids circle the correct spelling.
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