Grades 1–3
Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check
The look, say, cover, write, check study routine for any ten spelling words.
Writing worksheet · Spelling and word sorts
Spelling Story Challenge
Use any spelling list in a story: ten word boxes, a story and a count of how many words made it in.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–5
- Time
- About 30 minutes
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Spelling patterns, Word study, Spelling rules and generalizations, Self-checking spelling
What kids do
“Write your spelling words in the boxes. Then write a story that uses as many as you can. Underline each one.”
Printed on the sheet:
- I used this many of my words:
Teacher tip
Turn it into a friendly contest: who can fit the most words in a story that makes sense?
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.
- Let early writers draw first, then talk, then 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
Grades 1–3
Put Spelling Words in ABC Order
Two lists to put in ABC order, the second one by the second letter, then your own spelling list in order.
Grades 2–4
Spelling Sort: -ch or -tch?
Twelve words to finish with -ch or -tch and sort, the short-vowel spelling rule.
Grades 2–4
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.
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