Suffix -ed

When teaching suffix -ed, it’s not only important to have students understand why -ed makes 3 different sounds but also that it’s a morpheme.

Here are some reminders: 

• The three sounds of Suffix -ed:
  • -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.

• This might be a good opportunity to teach the doubling rule or drop rule (Three Great Rules) if you haven’t already. 
• Students can also practice writing word sums using -ed. Example: trace + ed → traced.
• Remember to have students create a morpheme card for -ed on a sky blue index card (suffixes). The three sounds of -ed can be sorted on the back of the index card. 
• 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 to word sums or looking at morphemes