Learning Spelling Rules Can Help

24th October 2023

When children learn to spell, they begin through phonics. When they have been exposed to a word a number of times, they are able to visually recognise the word in their mind which helps them to spell. For some children, for different reasons, they struggle to visualise words and will try to sound them out phonetically. This slows down their processing speeds and their fluency so learning spelling rules can help. It helps them to not only spell but to decode the written word too.

Spelling Rules Support Dyslexic Learners

Dyslexia can present challenges in spelling and reading. Learning and applying spelling rules can offer valuable support to dyslexic learners. For instance, understanding the rule of “silent e” and how it changes the pronunciation of words like “hat” to “hate” can assist dyslexic students in developing strategies for decoding words correctly. Spelling rules provide structure and predictability in a language that is inherently irregular, making it easier for dyslexic learners to navigate and improve their written accuracy.

Spelling Rules offer Consistency and Predictability

Spelling rules establish patterns and guidelines for how words are written. This consistency makes it easier to predict the correct spelling of words, reducing the chances of making spelling errors.

Spelling Rules Improves Reading Skills

Learning spelling rules also aids in reading comprehension. When readers encounter words spelled correctly based on these rules, they can recognise and understand the words more readily, which supports literacy and overall communication.

Effective Spelling Editing

When proofreading and editing your work, knowing spelling rules helps you identify and correct errors efficiently. It streamlines the editing process and ensures the final product is polished and error-free.

Increased Confidence with written Expression

When you are confident in your spelling abilities, you’re more likely to express yourself in writing. This confidence can lead to better communication and a more positive impression on your readers.

Some Common rules:

1. “I before E, except after C” Rule:
   • Words where “i” and “e” appear together, like “believe” or “receive,” often follow this rule. However, there are exceptions, such as “weird” and “foreign.”
2. Doubling the Final Consonant:
   • When adding a suffix to a word, double the final consonant if the word ends in a single vowel followed by a single consonant. For example, “run” becomes “running,” and “hop” becomes “hopped.”
3. Silent “E” Rule:
   • When adding a suffix to a word, remove the silent “e” from the end of the base word. For example, “hope” becomes “hoping” and “ride” becomes “riding.”
4. “C” and “K” Rule:
   • Use “c” when the following letter is “e,” “i,” or “y,” and use “k” for other situations. For instance, “cat,” “kite,” “cent,” and “keen.”
5. Plurals of Nouns:
   • Most nouns form their plural by adding “s” to the end, like “dogs” or “cats.” Words ending in “s,” “x,” “z,” “sh,” or “ch” usually add “es,” such as “boxes,” “buzzes,” “wishes,” and “matches.”
6. “Y” to “I” Rule:
   • When adding a suffix to a word that ends in a consonant + “y,” change the “y” to “i.” For example, “happy” becomes “happiness,” and “party” becomes “parties.”
7. “I” Before “E” Rule Exceptions:
   • While the “i before e, except after c” rule is a helpful guideline, there are numerous exceptions, such as “ancient,” “efficient,” “species,” “weird,” and “caffeine.”
8. Homophones:
   • Be aware of homophones, words that sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings. Examples include “there,” “their,” and “they’re”; “to,” “too,” and “two.”
9. “L” at the End of Words:
   • In British English, words ending in “l” double the “l” when adding suffixes. For instance, “cancel” becomes “cancelled” and “travel” becomes “travelling.”

These are just a few examples of common spelling rules in UK English. Keep in mind that English spelling can be complex, and there are many exceptions and regional variations. However, understanding these rules can help improve your written accuracy in UK English.