Instructions
Welcome to the "K Sound Challenge"! In this worksheet, you will master the rules for spelling the /k/ sound at the end of one-syllable words using either K or CK. Read the rules carefully, and then complete the activities below.
- Review the spelling rules for K and CK endings.
- Complete the fill-in-the-blank sections, paying close attention to the vowel sound immediately before the /k/.
- Complete the Challenge Section to earn extra points!
Section 1: Reviewing the K/CK Rule
The rule is simple: When a word has only one syllable, the spelling of the final /k/ sound depends on the letter that comes right before it.
| If the /k/ sound follows... | Use This Ending | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A SHORT vowel (a, e, i, o, u) | CK | Duck (short 'u' sound) |
| A LONG vowel (or two vowels together) | K | Look (two vowels 'oo') |
| A CONSONANT (like l, n, r) | K | Milk (consonant 'l') |
Section 2: Short Vowel Practice (Must Use CK)
In the table below, the word parts contain a short vowel sound. Add CK to complete the word. Write the final word clearly.
| Word Part | Short Vowel Check | Final Word |
|---|---|---|
| E X A M P L E: Ba | Short 'a' | B A C K |
| 1. Pi | ||
| 2. Ne | ||
| 3. Tri | ||
| 4. Stu | ||
| 5. Sto | ||
| 6. Cli |
Section 3: Analyze the Sound (K or CK?)
Look closely at the letter immediately before the blank space. Is it a short vowel, a long vowel, or a consonant? Use the rules in Section 1 to choose the correct ending (K or CK).
| Word Part | Letter Before Blank | Rule Applied (Short Vowel, Long Vowel, Consonant) | Ending (K or CK?) | Final Word |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E X A M P L E: Moo | Vowel (oo) | Long Vowel/Two Vowels | K | M O O K |
| 1. Ja | Vowel (a) | |||
| 2. Si | Vowel (i) | |||
| 3. Mil | Consonant (l) | |||
| 4. Chee | Vowels (ee) | |||
| 5. Ro | Vowel (o) |
Section 4: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below by filling in the blank with the correct word. Choose the correctly spelled word from the options provided in parentheses.
-
The large brown (trak / track) left dirt all over the road.
Word Chosen: ____
-
Did you (look / loock) under the bed for your missing shoe?
Word Chosen: ____
-
The baseball player slid into the home (bak / back) safely.
Word Chosen: ____
-
Please remember to (stok / stock) the shelves with new supplies before you leave.
Word Chosen: ____
-
My favorite bird to watch is the (duck / duk) floating on the pond.
Word Chosen: ____
Section 5: The Educator Challenge (Optional Extension)
These words follow the rules, but you must identify the preceding sound carefully. Determine if the word ends in K or CK.
-
I need to get a tiny hole repaired in my new vinyl disc or disk?
(Hint: The 's' is a consonant.) Answer: ____
-
The large bird flew into the park. It was a stork or storck?
(Hint: The 'r' is a consonant.) Answer: ____
-
Write two different one-syllable words that end in K because they have a consonant before the /k/ sound:
a) ____ b) ____
Answer Key
Section 2: Short Vowel Practice (Must Use CK)
| Word Part | Short Vowel Check | Final Word |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pi | Short 'i' | P I C K |
| 2. Ne | Short 'e' | N E C K |
| 3. Tri | Short 'i' | T R I C K |
| 4. Stu | Short 'u' | S T U C K |
| 5. Sto | Short 'o' | S T O C K |
| 6. Cli | Short 'i' | C L I C K |
Section 3: Analyze the Sound (K or CK?)
| Word Part | Letter Before Blank | Rule Applied (Short Vowel, Long Vowel, Consonant) | Ending (K or CK?) | Final Word |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ja | Vowel (a) | Short Vowel | C K | J A C K |
| 2. Si | Vowel (i) | Short Vowel | C K | S I C K |
| 3. Mil | Consonant (l) | Consonant | K | M I L K |
| 4. Chee | Vowels (ee) | Long Vowel/Two Vowels | K | C H E E K |
| 5. Ro | Vowel (o) | Short Vowel | C K | R O C K |
Section 4: Sentence Completion
- The large brown truck left dirt all over the road. (Word Chosen: track)
- Did you look under the bed for your missing shoe? (Word Chosen: look)
- The baseball player slid into the home back safely. (Word Chosen: back)
- Please remember to stock the shelves with new supplies before you leave. (Word Chosen: stock)
- My favorite bird to watch is the duck floating on the pond. (Word Chosen: duck)
Section 5: The Educator Challenge (Optional Extension)
-
I need to get a tiny hole repaired in my new vinyl disk or disc? Answer: disk
-
The large bird flew into the park. It was a stork or storck? Answer: stork
-
Write two different one-syllable words that end in K because they have a consonant before the /k/ sound: a) Blink (Consonant 'n') b) Park (Consonant 'r') (Acceptable alternatives include: risk, ask, husk, silk, dunk, mark, etc.)