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Spelling Words with Endings Where 's' Makes the /z/ Sound

Understanding words where the letter 's' makes a /z/ sound is an important part of phonics instruction and spelling development. This collection of words helps students recognize and master this common English spelling pattern, where the final 's' creates a voiced /z/ sound rather than the more familiar unvoiced /s/ sound.

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
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2.F: Use spelling patterns and generalizations in writing words

This word list specifically supports these standards by helping students recognize and apply the pattern where 's' makes the /z/ sound at the end of words, particularly after voiced consonants and vowels. This understanding helps students develop both their spelling accuracy and their phonological awareness.

Word List - 's' Making the /z/ Sound

Common Short Words

as, is, has, his

Long Vowel Patterns

ease, tease, please, cheese, choose, raise, praise noise, poise, browse feels, wheels, meals seems, dreams, means rains, stairs days, ways trees, peas sleeves, leaves

Plural Nouns

ribs, kids, hands, stands, seeds, weeds pounds, sounds, clouds bags, wags, eggs, legs songs, wings, things goals, tools, nails hills, pills twins, jeans towns, ears, years, fears, cheers laws, paws, claws boys, toys

Action Words

reads, needs sings comes, gives, lives

Teaching Tips

When working with these words, help students notice that the /z/ sound occurs particularly after voiced consonants and vowels. This pattern can help them predict when 's' will make the /z/ sound versus the /s/ sound. Practice both reading and writing these words to reinforce the pattern.

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Additional Resources

Understanding the /z/ sound of 's' is just one piece of mastering English spelling patterns. Regular practice with these words through writing exercises, reading activities, and targeted phonics instruction will help students internalize this pattern and apply it correctly in their own writing.

Note: This word list is particularly suitable for students in grades 1-3 who are developing their understanding of common spelling patterns and sound-symbol relationships.