Double letters
After a short vowel, many consonants are written twice: ff, ll, ss and zz at the end of short words, ck for the /k/ sound, and doubles inside longer words like rabbit and little. Knowing when a letter doubles, and when it doesn't, is one of the first spelling rules children meet.
Example words
- off
- cliff
- bell
- hill
- kiss
- dress
- buzz
- back
- duck
- sock
- rabbit
- little
- better
- carrot
The rules in this pattern
"ck" written as "k"
At the end of a word, straight after a short vowel, the /k/ sound is spelled "ck": "back", "clock", "stick", "duck".
When it's taught
From the National Curriculum for England (English Appendix 1):
Y1The /f/, /l/, /s/, /z/ and /k/ sounds spelt ff, ll, ss, zz and ck
Examples: off, hill, miss, buzz, back
Practise this pattern
Dictation sentences
Read each one aloud and ask your child to write it down.
- The duck fell off the hill.
- Miss Smith rang the bell.
- My little rabbit likes carrots.
Quick check
Can they spell these without help?
- stuff
- spell
- grass
- neck
Keep going
- Year 1 spelling words - the statutory list with a free worksheet
- Printable spelling test sheet - for writing the words on paper
- Practise in Spelling.Live - add these words as a list, take a Skills Check, or play games built from them
Teaching this pattern
A short lesson idea with a starter, an activity, dictation sentences and words to check.DRAFT
Teaching guide