Instructions
This worksheet focuses on mastering the 'ck' spelling rule. The /k/ sound at the end of a word can be spelled with either -ck or -k.
The CK Rule: Use -ck immediately after a single, short vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).
Example: Duck (short 'u' vowel) $\rightarrow$ duck
The K Rule: Use -k after a consonant (like n or l) or after a vowel team (long vowel sound).
Example: Milk (consonant 'l') $\rightarrow$ milk
- Read the words in each section carefully.
- Identify the sound or letter that comes before the final /k/ sound.
- Apply the CK Rule or K Rule to complete the tasks.
Part 1: Vowel Check (Scaffolding)
For each word below, circle the vowel (a, e, i, o, u) that comes just before the final /k/ sound. Then, state whether the vowel sound is SHORT or LONG.
| Word | Vowel Before /k/ | Vowel Sound (Short/Long) | Final Spelling Prediction (CK or K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Lock | o | Short | CK |
| Stick | |||
| Break | |||
| Trek | |||
| Soak | |||
| Risk |
Part 2: Sorting Challenge
Sort the words listed below into the correct column based on the CK Rule. The words are: bank, sack, pick, clock, hawk, desk, luck, strike, trick, pack.
| Words Ending in -CK (After a Short Vowel) | Words Ending in -K (After a Consonant or Long Vowel) |
|---|---|
| Example: Sack | Example: Bank |
Part 3: Real-World Application
Complete the following sentences by spelling the underlined word correctly. You must choose either -ck or -k to finish the word.
-
If you wear socks that don't match, you might look sil_.
Correct Spelling: ____
-
The farmer’s animal pen had a big mud pu_.
Correct Spelling: ____
-
Before we left, Mom told us to pa_ our lunchboxes.
Correct Spelling: ____
-
The team had a temporary losing strea_ in October.
Correct Spelling: ____
-
My little brother likes to throw a ro_ into the pond.
Correct Spelling: ____
Challenge Zone (Optional Extension)
These words follow the standard rules but require careful attention to spelling.
-
The word ATTACK follows the CK rule. If you add the suffix -ING, how is the new word spelled?
-
Name two words that have the /k/ sound at the end, but use the letter combination -QUE instead of -K or -CK (Hint: One is often used for keeping track of a line, and the other is a synonym for unique).
a) ____
b) ____
Answer Key
Part 1: Vowel Check (Scaffolding)
| Word | Vowel Before /k/ | Vowel Sound (Short/Long) | Final Spelling Prediction (CK or K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stick | i | Short | CK |
| Break | ea | Long | K |
| Trek | e | Short | CK |
| Soak | oa | Long | K |
| Risk | i | Consonant (s) follows vowel, but vowel is short | K (Risk - the /s/ sound interrupts the immediate short vowel rule) |
Part 2: Sorting Challenge
| Words Ending in -CK (After a Short Vowel) | Words Ending in -K (After a Consonant or Long Vowel) |
|---|---|
| sack | bank |
| pick | hawk |
| clock | desk |
| luck | strike |
| trick | |
| pack |
Part 3: Real-World Application
- Correct Spelling: silk
- Correct Spelling: puck
- Correct Spelling: pack
- Correct Spelling: streak
- Correct Spelling: rock
Challenge Zone (Optional Extension)
- Attacking (The CK rule applies to the base word, and when adding a suffix, the spelling of the base word usually remains the same.)
- a) Queue b) Antique (or Technique)