ur Words

• A three-column table, with each column focusing on a different grapheme that makes the /er/ sound.

• One column for words with er (like her, butter, fern)

• One for ir (like bird, shirt, third)

• And one for ur (like turn, nurse, curly)

The list is carefully chosen to include high-frequency, age-appropriate words that students are likely to come across in their reading and writing.

 

Why Is This Resource Helpful?

Students often struggle with the /er/ sound because there are several common ways to spell it. This resource helps them:

• Recognise the different graphemes that make the same sound

• Practise reading and spelling a range of /er/ words

• Build confidence with visual word patterns

• Use the list as a helpful reference during independent writing

It’s also great for reinforcing phonics skills and encouraging students to look closely at word structures.

 

Perfect for Home and Classroom Use

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or homeschooler, this printable is simple to use and can be added to:

• Spelling programs

• Writing stations

• Homework packs

• Phonics rotations or group work

It supports explicit phonics teaching and helps students internalise the patterns in English spelling.

 

Extension Ideas

Make learning even more engaging by:

• Asking students to highlight or colour-code each grapheme

• Playing a “read and sort” game with cut-out word cards

• Having students write their own sentences using one word from each column

• Creating a class “/er/ Word Wall”

 

Free to Download

The er Spelling Words printable is available for free on the Smart Boarding School website. It’s part of a growing collection of high-quality phonics and spelling resources designed to make teaching easier and learning more engaging.

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Help your students understand the different ways to spell the /er/ sound with this handy, ready-to-use word list.