Printable Grade 3 Verb Endings (-ing/-ed) Worksheet

This worksheet gives 3rd-grade students focused practice on applying standard spelling rules for adding -ing and -ed suffixes to verbs. Students will correctly spell the present participle and simple past tense for nine common verbs, reinforcing their understanding of inflectional endings and strengthening their overall writing fluency and accuracy.

At a Glance

• Grade: 3 · Subject: English Language Arts (ELA)
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2.e — Add suffixes to base words using conventional spelling.
• Skill Focus: Spelling with -ing and -ed verb endings
• Format: 1 page · 9 problems · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Independent practice, grammar centers, homework
• Time: 10–15 minutes

What's Inside

This single-page PDF offers a clear practice chart. Students see nine base verbs and must write the correct spellings for their "-ing" and "-ed" forms. The clean layout focuses students on applying spelling rules like dropping the 'e' or doubling a consonant. A complete answer key is included for fast grading or self-correction.

Zero-Prep Workflow

This resource saves teachers time with a simple, zero-prep workflow:

• Print (Under 1 minute): The single-page worksheet is optimized for quick printing.
• Distribute (1 minute): The instructions are on the page, so students can begin immediately.
• Review (5 minutes): Use the included answer key for class review, self-correction, or a quick assessment.

The minimal teacher time investment makes this ideal for substitute plans, morning work, or review.

Standards Alignment

This worksheet targets Common Core standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2.e, which requires students to use conventional spelling for adding suffixes to base words. The tasks provide structured practice on this foundational language skill, also supporting CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.1.d (forming and using verbs). Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans or curriculum maps.

How to Use It

This worksheet is versatile. Use it as independent practice after a mini-lesson on verb endings (a 10-15 minute task). For formative assessment, observe which rules challenge students as they work. It also serves as an excellent homework assignment or a station activity in a literacy center rotation.

Who It's For

Designed for 2nd to 4th graders reviewing spelling rules for verb endings. Its clear format helps all learners, including ELLs. For differentiation, pair this worksheet with an anchor chart displaying the key spelling rules for students needing extra visual support.

This worksheet provides focused practice on the critical Grade 3 language skill of applying conventional spelling rules to suffixes, as outlined in standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2.e. Mastering inflectional endings is a key predictor of later reading and writing success. Research emphasizes that explicit and systematic instruction in spelling patterns leads to better encoding and decoding abilities. According to Fisher & Frey (2014), structured practice is essential for moving students from initial instruction to independent application. This single-page resource gives students the repetition needed to internalize rules, such as when to double a consonant or drop a final 'e' before adding '-ing' or '-ed'. By providing 9 distinct verbs, the worksheet offers a concise yet effective tool for formative assessment and targeted reinforcement, ensuring students build a solid foundation for more complex writing tasks.