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Long Vowel Spelling Words: The "ew" Sound Pattern

Welcome to our collection of spelling words featuring the "ew" vowel pattern, which produces both the /ju/ and /oʊ/ sounds. This carefully curated list helps students master an important phonics pattern that appears frequently in English words.

Word List for "ew" Sound Pattern

  • few
  • mew
  • hew
  • pew
  • skew
  • spew

Understanding the "ew" Sound Pattern

The "ew" spelling pattern is particularly interesting because it can represent two distinct sounds in English. In words like "few" and "mew," the "ew" creates a /ju/ sound, while in words like "spew" and "skew," it can produce a sound closer to /oʊ/. Teaching these variations helps students develop a deeper understanding of English phonics patterns and improves their reading and spelling abilities.

Alignment with Common Core Standards

These "ew" pattern words align well with several Common Core Standards. Specifically:

  • 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"

These standards are particularly relevant because they emphasize the importance of recognizing and applying spelling patterns. The "ew" pattern is an excellent example of how students can learn to identify and use consistent spelling patterns in their writing, even when the sound variations exist within the same pattern.

Teaching Tips for "ew" Words

When introducing these words to students, it's helpful to group them by their sound patterns. Start with words that make the /ju/ sound (like "few" and "mew") before introducing words where "ew" makes the /oʊ/ sound. This systematic approach helps students recognize and internalize the pattern more effectively.

Practice Activities

Students can benefit from various activities using these words, including: * Word sorts by sound pattern * Sentence creation exercises * Word family explorations * Dictation practice * Reading in context

Create Your Own Practice Materials

Ready to help your students master these "ew" pattern words? Our worksheet generator makes it easy to create custom practice materials tailored to your students' needs.

Create a worksheet using words from this list

Remember that regular practice with these patterns, combined with reading and writing in context, will help students develop strong spelling skills and phonemic awareness.