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Multisyllabic Words with Silent 'tle' Ending - Spelling Word List

Understanding words that end in a silent 'tle' is an important step in mastering English spelling patterns. These words feature a unique phonological pattern where the 't' and 'le' combine to create a simple /l/ sound at the end of the word. This pattern appears in many common English words and presents an excellent opportunity for students to practice multisyllabic word recognition and spelling.

Common Words with 'tle' Ending

Here are common words that use the 'tle' ending pattern, where the combination makes a /l/ sound:

  • bristle
  • whistle
  • bustle
  • rustle
  • hustle
  • castle
  • jostle

These words are particularly valuable for teaching because they combine multiple spelling patterns and phonics concepts. Each word contains two syllables, with the second syllable featuring the silent 't' pattern.

Alignment with Common Core Standards

These multisyllabic 'tle' words align well with several Common Core Standards. The pattern is particularly relevant to:

  • 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.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.2.D: Generalize learned spelling patterns when writing words

The 'tle' ending pattern is an excellent example of a position-based spelling pattern that students need to master. These words help students understand that certain letter combinations create predictable sounds when they appear in specific positions within words. The multisyllabic nature of these words also helps students develop their ability to break words into manageable parts for spelling.

Teaching Strategies for 'tle' Words

When teaching these words, it's helpful to break them into their constituent syllables and highlight how the 'tle' ending consistently produces the /l/ sound. Students can benefit from understanding that while the 't' is silent, it's an essential part of the spelling pattern. Activities might include sorting words by their first syllable sounds, identifying the number of syllables, and practicing the correct pronunciation of the 'tle' ending.

Using These Words in the Classroom

These words provide excellent opportunities for vocabulary development alongside spelling practice. Many of these words have both literal and figurative meanings (like "hustle" and "bristle"), making them valuable for vocabulary instruction. Teachers can incorporate these words into various activities, from basic spelling practice to more complex vocabulary exercises.

Create a worksheet using words from this list

Remember that consistent practice with these spelling patterns will help students internalize the rules and improve their overall spelling accuracy. Regular exposure to these words in both reading and writing contexts will reinforce their learning.