Classroom · Spelling · CCSS L.5.2e
spelling words
80 words in 8 lists of ten, each built around one spelling pattern: Greek and Latin roots, suffixes, tricky consonants and commonly confused words. Every list has a free five-page printable: the word list with its spelling rule, look-say-cover-write-check, a word scramble, ABC order and an answer key.
The 5th grade pack
All 8 lists on two pages, a score tracker and a Spelling Star certificate.
Or make a worksheet with your own wordsList 1: Greek and Latin roots
tele (far), scope (see), graph (write), port (carry), spect (look).
- telephone
- telescope
- autograph
- paragraph
- microscope
- biography
- transport
- portable
- inspect
- spectator
List 2: -able and -ible
-able usually follows a complete word; -ible often does not.
- comfortable
- reasonable
- valuable
- enjoyable
- available
- possible
- visible
- terrible
- horrible
- flexible
List 3: -ous and -ious
Adjectives meaning full of or having.
- famous
- dangerous
- nervous
- enormous
- generous
- curious
- serious
- delicious
- various
- previous
List 4: -ance and -ence
Two endings that sound alike; they have to be learned word by word.
- distance
- balance
- importance
- entrance
- allowance
- difference
- silence
- science
- sentence
- absence
List 5: -ment and -ness
Suffixes that turn words into nouns.
- argument
- equipment
- movement
- payment
- statement
- kindness
- darkness
- happiness
- weakness
- fitness
List 6: ph, gh and ch as k
ph and gh can say f; ch can say k.
- photo
- phrase
- alphabet
- rough
- tough
- laugh
- school
- chorus
- chemical
- character
List 7: Commonly confused words
Pairs that are easy to mix up in writing.
- accept
- except
- affect
- effect
- desert
- dessert
- quiet
- quite
- lose
- loose
List 8: Commonly misspelled words II
Longer words with silent or doubled letters.
- necessary
- environment
- government
- restaurant
- library
- probably
- surprise
- interest
- vegetable
- temperature
What the printables look like
Pages 1 and 3 of list 1. Every list follows the same five-page layout.


Common questions
How many spelling words should a 5th grader learn each week?
These lists use 10 words a week, which matches many classrooms. If a child is struggling, cut the list to the first five words and add the rest once those are secure.
What spelling patterns are taught in 5th grade?
The lists here cover Greek and Latin roots, suffixes, tricky consonants and commonly confused words: Greek and Latin roots, -able and -ible, -ous and -ious, -ance and -ence, -ment and -ness, ph, gh and ch as k, Commonly confused words, Commonly misspelled words II. Your school's order may differ, so pick the list that matches what your class is working on.
Can I change the words on the worksheets?
Yes. Every list has an "Edit in the generator" link that opens it in the free worksheet generator, where you can add, remove or replace words and download a new PDF.