Some Spelling Rules

Many tutors request information on the rules of spelling. Most of us learned to spell at an early age so now spelling is automatic. Trying to teach someone how to spell often poses a problem because we don't always remember how we learned to spell, and we definitely don't remember all of the rules.

Listed below are a few spelling rules. You can share these with your student to put in a safe place to refer to when needed.

RULES FOR ADDING ENDINGS

THE DOUBLING RULES:

If a word is one syllable with one vowel, and one final consonant, double the final consonant before adding an ending that starts with a vowel. Do not double a final w or x.

Example:  hop + ed = hopped
		     run + ing = running  
	       but,    fix + ed = fixed
		     row + ing = rowing

If a word has more than one syllable, double the final consonant if the last syllable has one vowel, one final consonant, is accented, and the ending starts with a vowel.

Example:  forgot + en = forgotten
		     begin + ing = beginning
      	       but,    offer + ing = offering

THE SILENT E RULE

If a word ends in silent e, drop the final e before adding an ending that starts with a vowel.

Example:  joke + ing = joking
		     secure + ity = security

THE Y TO I CONVERSION

If a word ends in a consonant plus y, change the y to i before adding the ending, unless the ending starts with i. (Note that this rule does not apply when a vowel precedes the y as in play to played.)

Example:  lucky + er = luckier
		     happy + ness = happiness
	       but,    cry + ing = crying

Be sure to introduce these rules one at a time and provide a lot of practice before adding another rule. Keep a written copy handy to use for reference.

-- Taken from Project Learn, Cleveland