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.
Create a worksheet using words from this list
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.