Silent Letters and Advanced 'sion' Words Spelling List

Learning words with the 'sion' ending pattern (pronounced /ʃən/) presents an important challenge for developing spellers. This collection focuses on common words that use this spelling pattern, which often appears in words related to actions, states, or processes.

Word List

Here are 20 common words that use the 'sion' spelling pattern:

mansion
expansion
tension
extension
pension
dimension
mission
admission
passion
compassion
session
succession
concession
procession
confession
profession
depression
expression
impression
discussion

Educational Standards Alignment

These words align with several Common Core Standards. Particularly relevant standards include:

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.4.2.D: Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.

These standards are particularly applicable because the 'sion' spelling pattern represents a more advanced phonics concept that students typically master in upper elementary grades. The words in this list help students recognize and apply the pattern where 'sion' creates the /ʃən/ sound, a crucial spelling generalization that appears frequently in academic vocabulary.

Teaching Tips

When introducing these words, it's helpful to point out that many of them are derived from base words ending in '-d', '-de', '-s', '-ss', or '-t'. For example, 'extension' comes from 'extend', and 'admission' from 'admit'. Understanding these relationships can help students both spell the words correctly and comprehend their meanings more deeply.

Differentiation Strategies

For younger or struggling students, you might want to start with shorter, more familiar words like 'mission' and 'session'. More advanced learners can tackle longer derivatives like 'succession' and 'compassion', while also exploring the relationships between base words and their 'sion' forms.

Assessment Opportunities

These words provide excellent opportunities for both formative and summative assessment. Consider using them in context-based activities, spelling tests, or vocabulary exercises that require students to demonstrate both spelling accuracy and meaning comprehension.

Create a worksheet using words from this list

Remember to provide plenty of practice opportunities and to revisit these words regularly to ensure retention and proper usage in students' writing.