Grade 3 · Spelling · Phonics

3rd Grade Long Vowel Patterns worksheets

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Long Vowel Patterns

Grade 3 Spelling Worksheet - Building Confidence

NameDate

Circle the answer.

1.
In "pancake", which sound do the "a" and the silent e spell?
- short a
- long e
- long a
2.
Which spelling is correct for the word that means "where letters and packages are left at a home"?
- malbox
- mailbox
- malebox
3.
Which letter fills the empty box? The word means "bright, warm light on a clear day".
- i
- e
- y
4.
What spells the long e sound in "peanut"?
- the "e" ending its syllable
- the silent e at the end
- the vowel team "ea"
5.
Which word has the long o sound?
- human
- robot
- stampede
6.
In "subway", which sound do the letters "ay" spell?
- long i
- long a
- short a
7.
Which spelling is correct for the word that means "a soft cushion for your head in bed"?
- pillow
- pilloa
- pilloe
8.
Which letter fills the empty box? The word means "in a house or building, not outdoors".
- i
- a
- y
9.
What spells the long i sound in "flashlight"?
- the letters "igh"
- the vowel team "ie"
- the silent e at the end
10.
Which word has the long e sound?
- explode
- explain
- sixteen

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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