Here are the first spelling rules that students should know.
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Every word has at least one vowel.
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Every syllable has one vowel.
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C can say /k/ or /s/. C says /s/ before an e, i, or y (cent, city, cycle). It says /k/ before everything else (cat, clip).
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G can say /g/ or /j/. G may say /j/ before an e, i, or y (gem, giant, gym). It says /g/ before everything else (garden, glad).
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Q is always followed by a u (queen).
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Double the consonants f, l, and s at the end of a one-syllable word that has just one vowel (stiff, spell, pass).
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To spell the sound of /k/ at the end of a word, we use ck or k. Use ck after a short vowel (sick). After everything else, use a k (milk).
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Capitalize names.
After your student has mastered the above spelling rules and applies them consistently, go on to this next set of rules.
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A, e, o, and u usually say their name at the end of a syllable (a-pron, me, go, u-nit).
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Words do not end in v or j. We add a silent e at the end of the word (have).
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Contractions replace letter(s) with an apostrophe to shorten a phrase (I've represents I have).
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I and o may say /î/ and /ô/ before two consonants (kind, sold).
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/J/ is spelled dge after a short vowel (edge).
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Capitalize the names of places (Florida).
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 From Our Mailbox
Wow! You have sure done a terrific job of packing in a lot of information and helpful hints. The spelling rules are very helpful. I know that I was never taught these rules in school, and I have never taught all of them to my students. In most schools, the rules are taught in a hit-or-miss way, not in the sequential way that you have laid out. I can see that your method would be especially helpful for L.D. or special needs students. I learned a lot from your books.
Jean Wensink
Teacher for twenty-five years
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