What 5th grade spelling works on
Like 4th grade, the standard here is to spell grade-appropriate words correctly and to check references when unsure. The difference is the kind of word. Fifth grade words reward knowing how words are built: dis- plus appear gives one s and two p’s in disappear; im- plus mediate gives two m’s in immediately; govern plus -ment keeps the n that people drop when they say it.
Doubled letters are the big theme. Accommodate has two c’s and two m’s; committee has two m’s, two t’s and two e’s; embarrass has two r’s and two s’s; beginning doubles the n before -ing. Then there are the silent and surprising letters: the k and d in knowledge, the g in foreign, the h in rhythm, and the "sci" in conscience, which hides the word science.
The Common Core standard for this grade (L.5.2.E): Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.
These are Tutorsaurus’s own words, chosen to fit that standard; they are not an official list, and your child’s school may use different ones.
How to practice at home
- Break each word into parts: prefix, base and suffix. Spell the parts, then put them together.
- Ask your child to explain a spelling to you. Telling you why occasionally has two c’s and one s is better practice than writing it ten times.
- Use the words in real writing: a short story, an email to a grandparent, a list of rules for a game.
- Ten words a week is enough at this level. Go back to missed words after a week, then after a month.
- Let your child check their own test against the answer key and work out the pattern behind each mistake.
Words to watch
- Definitely: it has "finite" inside it, not an a.
- Rhythm: no vowels except the y. Rhythm Helps Your Two Hips Move.
- Mischievous: three syllables, mis-chie-vous. There is no "i" after the v, however it is often said.
- Sincerely: sincere plus -ly. Keep the e of sincere.