Suffix -ed

When teaching suffix -ed, it’s important to have students understand why -ed makes 3 different sounds.

Here are some reminders: 

• -ed says /id/ when the base word ends with /d/ or /t/ (hunted or jaded)
• -ed says /d/ when the base word ends with a voiced sound (pleased)
• -ed says /t/ when the base word ends with an unvoiced sound (kissed)
• When encoding, first state the base word. Students should only fingertap the base word. Then write it. 
  • Then have students add -ed and tell you what sound it will make (and why). 
  • Then have students rewrite the full word. 

• When decoding, encourage students to identify any known suffixes (like -ed) or known prefixes by circling them. Then they can look at the rest of the word and break it into syllables if needed. This will help transition students into word sums or looking at morphemes.