Spelling Patterns
VC2E4LY04 · Literacy · Conventions of Language
understand how to use knowledge of letter patterns, including double letters, spelling generalisations, morphological word families, word origins, and common prefixes and suffixes to spell more complex words
1. Learning goal
Parent-friendly goal:
Use patterns and word parts to spell complex words.
2. What your child needs to know
- Double letters often appear after short vowel sounds: hopping, running.
- Word families share spelling and meaning: sign, signal, signature.
- Prefixes and suffixes can help build correct spelling.
3. Simple explanation
Spelling is not just memorising. You can look for patterns and meanings inside words.
Spelling Web
4. Examples
Double letter
hop + ing = hopping
Word family
cycle, bicycle, recycle
5. Worked example
Spell a longer word
- Say the word carefully.
- Find the base word or word family.
- Think about any spelling rule or pattern.
- Write the word and check each part.
6. Common mistakes
- Forgetting to double a consonant after a short vowel.
- Removing letters from a base word when they should stay.
- Only sounding out a word and ignoring meaning.
7. Parent teaching tips
- Sort spelling words by pattern instead of practising them randomly.
- Ask your child to explain the pattern in a word.
8. Quick practice
Which is correct: runing or running?
Answer: Running.
The n doubles after the short vowel sound.
What is the base word in 'careless'?
Answer: Care.
Less is a suffix added to care.
9. Extension challenge
Create a word family web for the base word 'port' or 'act'.