Grade 3 · Spelling · Phonics

3rd Grade Long Vowel Patterns worksheets

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Long Vowel Patterns

Grade 3 Spelling Worksheet

NameDate

Circle the answer, or write the answer on the line.

1.
In "complain", which sound do the letters "ai" spell?
- short a
- long a
- long i
- long o
Spell the long a word that means "something done the wrong way by accident".
3.
Which letters fill the empty boxes? The word means "spring, summer, fall, or winter".
- ee
- ei
- ea
- ie
4.
What spells the long i sound in "invite"?
- the vowel team "ie"
- the silent e at the end
- the "i" ending its syllable
- an r right after the "i"
5.
Which word has the long o sound?
- yellow
- contain
- necktie
- extreme
6.
In "costume", which sound do the "u" and the silent e spell?
- short u
- long i
- long o
- long u
Spell the long i word that means "twelve o'clock when it is dark outside".
8.
Which letter fills the empty box? The word means "to get away from a place".
- a
- e
- o
- i
9.
What spells the long e sound in "asleep"?
- an r right after the "e"
- the vowel team "ee"
- the "e" ending its syllable
- the silent e at the end
10.
Which word has the long i sound?
- athlete
- explode
- obtain
- pilot

3rd Grade Long Vowel Patterns worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Long vowel patterns are a major spelling step for third graders. A child may hear the first and last consonants clearly but still choose the wrong vowel pattern in the middle of a longer word. Long vowels can be spelled with silent e, as in mistake, with vowel teams, as in complain and season, with igh, as in sunlight, or by an open syllable that ends with the vowel, as in robot. This worksheet keeps attention on those long-vowel spellings in two- and three-syllable words.

Students name the sound a pattern spells, fill in missing vowel letters from a meaning clue, spell whole words, and pick the rule that makes a vowel long. Support versions use shorter words and three choices. Challenge versions use longer words such as athlete and approach. Encourage your child to say the word slowly, listen for the vowel that says its name, and check which letters spell it.

What your child will learn

Name long vowel sounds
Use silent e to spell long vowels
Recognize long-vowel teams and igh
Complete missing vowel spellings

Common Core standard: RF.3.3

Worked example

Mistake has long a because the silent e at the end makes the a say its name; complain has long a because the vowel team ai spells it.

Common mistake

Writing a short-vowel spelling for a long-vowel word because the silent e is not spoken.

Helpful hint

Listen for whether the vowel says its name, then check for silent e or a vowel team.

Next skill: Diphthongs and Vowel Teams

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with long vowel patterns?

Writing a short-vowel spelling for a long-vowel word because the silent e is not spoken.

How can I help my child with long vowel patterns?

Listen for whether the vowel says its name, then check for silent e or a vowel team.

Are these 3rd grade spelling worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 3rd grade phonics

See all phonics

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