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Words with -es Ending Pronounced /ɪz/

Teaching students to correctly spell words that end with the -es suffix where it's pronounced as /ɪz/ is a fundamental part of phonics instruction. This pattern occurs when words end in sibilant sounds (s, z, ch, sh, x), requiring the addition of -es rather than just -s to form plurals or third-person singular verbs.

Common Core Standards Alignment

These spelling words align with several Common Core Standards, particularly in the early elementary grades where students are learning fundamental spelling patterns. The most relevant standards include:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.2.D: Generalize learned spelling patterns when writing words
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2.F: Use spelling patterns and generalizations (e.g., word families, position-based spellings, syllable patterns, ending rules, meaningful word parts) in writing words

These standards directly relate to the -es ending pattern because students must recognize when to add -es instead of -s, understanding that words ending in ch, sh, s, ss, and x require the -es ending. This knowledge helps them develop systematic spelling skills and pattern recognition.

Word List

Here are common words that follow the -es = /ɪz/ pattern:

  • misses
  • passes
  • classes
  • glasses
  • dresses
  • buses
  • fixes
  • boxes
  • taxes
  • brushes
  • ashes
  • crashes
  • dishes
  • wishes
  • inches
  • branches
  • peaches
  • reaches
  • teaches
  • coaches
  • launches
  • itches
  • pitches
  • stitches
  • matches
  • patches
  • stretches
  • crutches

Teaching Tips

When teaching these words, it's helpful to group them by their final sound before adding -es. For example, words ending in -ch (matches, reaches), -sh (wishes, crashes), -s (passes, glasses), and -x (boxes, fixes) can be taught together to reinforce the pattern. This grouping helps students understand why we add -es instead of just -s.

Students often benefit from seeing and hearing these words in context, as many of them are commonly used in both reading and writing. The -es ending creates an extra syllable, which is important for students to understand when they're reading and writing these words.

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Why These Words Matter

Understanding the -es ending rule is crucial for students' writing development. These words appear frequently in everyday writing and reading, from simple sentences to complex texts. Mastering this spelling pattern helps students become more confident writers and enables them to express themselves more accurately in written communication.

Remember that regular practice with these words, combined with understanding of the underlying rule, will help students internalize this important spelling pattern.