Created by Tina McElveen
16 questions
1st - 4th Grade
ELA
Updated Sep 2026
This free printable worksheet helps students in Grades 1–4 identify and spell words with r-controlled vowel patterns. In 16 multiple-choice items, students say the name of a pictured word and choose its correct spelling from similar options, such as fork, hurt, and curl. The activity focuses on noticing how the letter r affects the vowel sound and selecting the matching vowel pattern rather than relying on appearance alone. Use this English worksheet for phonics practice, guided instruction, independent work, or a quick spelling check. Students apply r-controlled vowel knowledge while distinguishing correct spellings from distractors such as fark, ferk, hart, hut, corl, and carl. The worksheet includes a complete answer key, making it easy to review picture-based choices and identify spelling patterns that need more practice.
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WorksheetsAnswer Keyfork
hurt
curl
This worksheet covers identifying and spelling words with r-controlled vowel patterns through 16 picture-based multiple-choice questions. Students say each pictured word and distinguish the correct spelling—such as fork, hurt, or curl—from distractors with incorrect vowel patterns, building accuracy in connecting r-controlled sounds to written words.
Begin by having students name each picture aloud and listen for the vowel sound before they examine the answer choices. Ask them to compare the vowel-and-r pattern in choices such as fork, hurt, and curl, then explain why the correct spelling matches the sound; use the completed items to discuss how r changes the vowel sound.
Watch for students choosing a word because it looks familiar without saying the pictured word aloud. They may also confuse r-controlled spellings with short-vowel alternatives, as in choosing hut instead of hurt, or replace the vowel pattern in words such as fork and curl with distractors like fark, ferk, corl, or carl.
On Wayground, assign the worksheet as a printable PDF or as a digital quiz, and use the complete answer key to check the 16 picture-based multiple-choice responses. Printable submissions can also be graded by scanning student work with the Wayground for Teachers app.
For the picture-based spelling items, use Advanced Settings to adjust font spacing or choose a larger font size so students can compare the answer choices more easily. You can also apply a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language when those options support access to the r-controlled vowel task.
Wayground offers a comprehensive collection of free printable worksheets and practice problems across all subjects, with downloadable PDFs and answer keys to help students master essential skills and concepts. Browse more resources at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.
