How to Teach Final Syllable Spelling (Part 1)

I have always loved spelling. I'm sure this stems from my mom loving to read so much she read actual dictionaries (this is a true story). I have a strong appreciation for words, as well as the parts that make them. This concept goes hand in hand with my natural love of spelling. Look below for how to easily teach final stable spelling (part 1).

How To Teach Final Syllable Spelling

Final syllable spelling is important because it (obviously) helps students spell, as well as feel more confident when it comes to writing. It's hard to remember words in isolation (unless they are sight words), so being able to look inside of a word, namely looking at the end, you can gain a better understanding of how to spell.

Look below to see how to easily teach this concept!

Step 1. Read the definition of what the concept of final stable spelling is. This is an important piece because student's have to know the "why" of what they're learning. If they don't know why, they may take full interest.

Step 2. Explain that there are 4 rules for this concept. Remind them that while 4 rules sounds like a lot, it's better than not feeling confident when spelling (either on paper or typing).

Rule 1: Final syllable spelling is always in the final position. If students struggle, explain that final means the end of the word. A good example of this rule is the word bubble. Explain why this is a good example of this rule.

Rule 2: Final syllable spelling always has a stable pronunciation. Explain that stable pronunciation means that the ending is pronounced the same way consistently. Have students listen in for similarities in each word as you read the examples:

• circle = cir - kul

• cradle = c - ra - dul

• eagle = e - gul

• castle = ka - sul

Rule 3. Final syllable spelling never has accented words. This means there are no breves, circumspec, or macron. Point out there are no accented words because the pronunciation is stable; pronunciation doesn't depend on the word that's being said.

Rule 4. Final syllable spelling creates a syllable because of the vowel sound. Remind students that a vowel includes the letters a,e, i, o, u, and sometimes y. Have students look for differences as you read the examples below:

• crackle = crac | kle

• puzzle = puz | zle

• simple = sim | ple

• raffle = raf | fle

Step 3. Review the examples below to cement the concept! If you can, have students complete the words on the board. Have students share out what they see if you cannot use your board. Review the correct way to segment each word as students complete them.

ture /cher/	sure /zher/	ain /in/
vulture	closure	bargain
posture	erasure	captain
nature	treasure	villain

Step 4. Have students blend the words below. You can have them write the words in their notebook, on their desk without an erasable marker, or even have them trifold a sticky note to segment the word.

blea + cher	but + sure	cap + sure
cap + sure	en + dure	lec + sure
tea + sure	pic + sure	trea + zure
fi + gure	na + cher	stret + cher

When you are done with the lesson, remind students that what they're learning is not best used in isolation. Remind them that it's important for us to remember this idea because it will serve us well in the future. Download a free anchor chart covering this skill below.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD