Grades 1–3
Rainbow Write Spelling Words
Rainbow writing for any spelling list: ten words, each written three more times in different colors.
Writing worksheet · Spelling and word sorts
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.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- 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
“-ful means full of. -less means without. -ness means the state of being. Write the word for each meaning.”
Printed on the sheet:
- 1. full of help
- 2. without care
- 4. full of color
- 5. without an end
- 7. full of hope
- 8. without a sound
- 10. full of thanks
Teacher tip
Show how one base word (care) can become careful, careless and carefulness.
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
- 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 1–2
Word Shape Boxes
Eight word shapes to fill: kids match each word to its tall, small and tail letter boxes.
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.
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.