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Adding the Suffix 'ing'

Learning how to add the suffix -ing to base words is a key milestone in early spelling and writing development. For students in Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3, this can sometimes be tricky—especially when spelling rules come into play. That’s why we’ve created the Adding the Suffix ing to Words worksheet—a simple, engaging, and free printable activity that helps young learners understand and apply suffix rules with confidence.

 

What Does the Worksheet Cover?

This worksheet focuses specifically on the suffix -ing, which is commonly used to form present participles or gerunds (e.g., running, painting, sliding). But as many teachers and parents know, you can't always just "add ing" to a word—there are rules to follow!

​To help children make sense of these spelling changes, the worksheet begins with a clear explanation of three simple rules for adding -ing:

Just Add 'ing'
If the base word has a long vowel followed by a consonant or ends in a vowel followed by two consonants, simply add -ing.

    • Example: paint → painting

    • Example: jump → jumping

  2. Double the Final Consonant and Add 'ing'
    If the base word has a short vowel followed by one consonant, double the consonant before adding -ing.

    • Example: sit → sitting

    • Example: hop → hopping

  3. Drop the ‘e’ and Add ‘ing’
    If the base word ends with a silent 'e' (bossy e), drop the e before adding -ing.

    • Example: slide → sliding

    • Example: make → making

 

Sorting Words into the Correct Rule

After reading and reviewing the rules, students are given a list of base words and are asked to sort them into one of the three categories:

  • Add 'ing'

  • Drop the 'e' then add 'ing'

  • Double the consonant then add 'ing'

 

This sorting activity encourages learners to think critically about spelling patterns, sounds, and endings. It’s not just about memorising rules—it’s about understanding how words work.

 

Why Is This Important?

Spelling with suffixes is a fundamental skill in primary literacy. Students who can confidently modify base words with -ing are more likely to write fluently and independently. These rules also support students as they encounter more complex words in reading and spelling.

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By using a sorting task rather than simple repetition or fill-in-the-blanks, this worksheet builds active engagement and encourages rule-based thinking. This makes it ideal for both classroom phonics instruction and at-home spelling practice.

 

Who Is This Worksheet For?

This resource is perfect for:

  • Grade 1 to Grade 3 students learning about suffixes.

  • Phonics and spelling lessons focusing on vowel patterns and base word modifications.

  • Literacy rotations or independent word work tasks.

  • Homeschool families looking for structured spelling support.

 

Download the Free Worksheet

You can download the Adding the Suffix ing to Words worksheet for free from the Smart Boarding School website. It’s print-and-go ready and works well for small group work, independent literacy tasks, or targeted spelling interventions.

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Support your students' spelling success with this engaging and educational worksheet.
Visit Smart Boarding School to explore hundreds of free resources designed to make learning fun and effective!

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