Grades 4–5
Spelling Sort: -er or -or?
Twelve people words like teacher and sailor to finish with -er or -or and sort.
Writing worksheet · Spelling and word sorts
Spelling Sort: -able or -ible?
Twelve words to finish with -able or -ible and sort, with the whole-word tip for upper grades.
- Grade level
- Grades 4–5
- 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
“Tip: if the part before the ending is a whole word (wash), it usually takes -able. If it is not a word (vis), it usually takes -ible. Finish and sort each word.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Add -able or -ible
- Write a sentence with one word from each column.
Teacher tip
Teach the tip: if the base is a whole word (read, enjoy), it usually takes -able.
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.
- Keep a word wall or a word bank in reach so spelling does not stop the ideas.
Watch for
Kids who memorize words without the pattern. Ask them to spell a new word with it.
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
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
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.
Grades 1–3
Rainbow Write Spelling Words
Rainbow writing for any spelling list: ten words, each written three more times in different colors.
Free for teachers
Get the free Classroom Drawing Kit
12 printable pages: six step-by-step lessons, a grid activity, draw-and-write sheets and teacher notes, sent with your welcome email. After that, new classroom printables by email.