R-Controlled Syllables with "er" - Spelling Word List
Teaching students to recognize and spell words containing r-controlled syllables with "er" is a fundamental part of developing strong literacy skills. These words, where the "er" sound modifies the preceding vowel, are common in everyday English and form an essential part of a student's spelling vocabulary.
Words with R-Controlled "er" Syllables
Here's a comprehensive list of words featuring the r-controlled "er" sound:
verb, herd, term, germ, jerk, clerk, fern, stern, perch, serve, nerve, verse, merge, person, perfect, perfume, permit, perhaps, perceive, servant, service, mercy, desert, expert, modern, concert, concern, deserve, superb, energy, general, several, advertise, interest, interesting, interrupt, eternal, entertain, afternoon, yesterday, liberty, grocery, exercise, understand, camera, emergency, different, difference
Educational Standards Alignment
This collection of r-controlled syllable words aligns with several Common Core Standards. In particular:
- 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 r-controlled syllables represent a consistent spelling pattern in English. When students learn to recognize and correctly spell the "er" pattern, they can apply this knowledge to decode unfamiliar words and improve their overall spelling accuracy. This word list helps students develop pattern recognition skills while building their vocabulary with commonly used words.
Teaching Strategies for R-Controlled Syllables
When teaching these words, it's helpful to focus on the way the "er" combination creates a distinct sound that's neither the original "e" sound nor the "r" sound in isolation. Students should understand that when "r" follows a vowel, it changes the vowel's sound in a predictable way. This concept can be reinforced through activities like word sorting, pattern recognition exercises, and targeted spelling practice.
Differentiation and Progress Monitoring
These words range from simple one-syllable examples (like "verb" and "herd") to more complex multisyllabic words (such as "interesting" and "emergency"). This natural progression allows teachers to differentiate instruction based on student readiness and provides opportunities for scaffolded learning experiences. Start with the simpler words and gradually introduce more challenging examples as students demonstrate mastery.
Creating Custom Practice Materials
To help your students master these r-controlled syllable words, personalized practice materials can make a significant difference in their learning journey.
Create a worksheet using words from this list
Using targeted worksheets allows you to focus on specific subsets of words that match your students' current learning level while providing the repetition necessary for mastery.
Additional Tips for Success
Remember that students may need multiple exposures to these spelling patterns before achieving mastery. Regular review, combined with systematic instruction and plenty of opportunities for practice, will help ensure student success with these important spelling patterns.