← Back

Closed Syllables with Double Consonants (ss) - Spelling Word List

Learning to spell words with double consonants is a crucial step in developing strong literacy skills. This comprehensive list focuses on words ending with the double consonant 'ss', which follows a short vowel in closed syllables. These words are commonly encountered in early reading and writing exercises.

Common Core Standards Alignment

These spelling words align with several Common Core Standards, particularly in the early elementary grades. The most relevant standards include:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2.D: Use conventional spelling for words with common spelling patterns and for frequently occurring irregular words
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.2.D: Generalize learned spelling patterns when writing words

These standards are particularly relevant because double consonant patterns after short vowels represent a fundamental spelling rule that students need to master. Understanding that the 'ss' pattern follows a short vowel sound helps students develop pattern recognition and spelling consistency in their writing.

Word List

Here are 27 commonly used words featuring the double consonant 'ss' pattern:

  • mass
  • pass
  • brass
  • grass
  • class
  • glass
  • less
  • mess
  • dress
  • press
  • tress
  • stress
  • bless
  • chess
  • kiss
  • miss
  • hiss
  • bliss
  • fuss
  • muss
  • boss
  • loss
  • moss
  • toss
  • cross
  • floss
  • gloss

Teaching Tips

When teaching these words, it's helpful to emphasize the short vowel sound that comes before the double 's'. This pattern is consistent across all these words, making it an excellent example for teaching phonics rules. Students should notice that the vowel sound is short (as in "cat") rather than long (as in "cake").

Practice Strategies

Students can benefit from various activities using these words:

  1. Word sorting activities comparing single vs. double 's' words
  2. Creating sentences using multiple words from the list
  3. Identifying rhyming pairs within the list
  4. Writing stories incorporating several words from the list

Create a worksheet using words from this list

Why These Words Matter

Understanding double consonant patterns is essential for developing strong spelling skills. These words represent a common pattern in English spelling, and mastering them helps students become more confident writers and readers. The 'ss' pattern is particularly important as it appears frequently in everyday writing and reading materials.