Spell Long U Words with Different Spelling Patterns

In the English language, multiple letters (and combinations of letters) can be used to make the same sound.

This classroom game is a fun and active resource that lets students review the most commonly used “long u” graphemes. During the activity, students move or “scoot” around the classroom as they complete the activities on the task cards. They are required to:

• Look at the picture on the card.
• Identify the correct “long u” spelling required to spell the word.
• Write the word using the correct spelling on their recording sheet.

The “long u” spellings included in this phonics activity are:

• Long u (as in unicorn)
• Long u_e (as in huge) 
• Long U with Silent e (as in blue)
• Words with EW (as in brew)
• Words with EU (as in Europe)

Differentiated Activities with Long U Words for Kids 

This literacy resource comes with two differentiated sets of 24 task cards. The distinctions between these two sets are outlined below.

Set 1: In addition to the picture, these task cards show the word underneath with blank lines to indicate the missing “long u” grapheme, e.g. the word “cue” would have the “ue” grapheme missing at the end of the word. The accompanying recording sheet for this scaffolded set of cards has the answer prewritten. There are blank spaces for students to add the correct “long u” grapheme to each word.

Set 2: These task cards contain the picture only. The accompanying recording sheet for this set requires students to write down all of the words that match the cards without any scaffolding provided.

Why not mix and match the task cards and recording sheets to best suit the needs of your students?

Other Ways to Use a Long U Sound Task Card Pack

Need to keep your students a little more contained? You could always try these alternate ideas:

Whole Group Sorting of the Long U Sound

Provide the students with the task cards. Have them group the cards according to the “long u” grapheme that is missing.

Pair Card Games

Have the students use the task cards to play card games such as “Memory” or “Snap!” Matches are made by words that share the same “long u” grapheme.

Show Me!

Provide the students with mini whiteboards and markers. Show them the task cards in turn. Have the students write the missing “long u” grapheme on their whiteboard (or have more-capable students spell the word). When the students are finished, say, “Show Me!” Students can turn around their boards, allowing you to monitor who requires additional help with the concept.

Easily Download and Prepare This 2nd Grade Spelling Activity 

Use the dropdown arrow on the Download button to select the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

Print one version of the resource, then copy the task cards on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.

Recording sheets can be placed into dry-erase sleeves and reused time and again!

This resource was created by Alessandra Pastor, a teacher in Massachusetts and a Teach Starter collaborator.