-s and -es Ending Sounds Printable Worksheet | Grade 1-2

This Grade 1 and 2 phonics worksheet helps students master the three distinct sounds of -s and -es endings (/s/, /z/, and /iz/). By identifying the "odd one out" in twelve specific word sets, learners develop the auditory discrimination skills necessary for fluent reading and accurate pronunciation of plural nouns and present-tense verbs.

At a Glance

• Grade: 1-2 · Subject: ELA Grammar
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.F — Read words with inflectional endings to improve decoding and pronunciation
• Skill Focus: Auditory discrimination of -s/-es endings
• Format: 1 page · 12 problems · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Phonics centers and independent practice
• Time: 10–15 minutes

The resource features 12 multiple-choice questions formatted as "Odd one out" exercises. Each question presents four words (verbs or nouns) that share the same suffix but differ in phonetic realization. The clean, single-page layout includes a clear header for student names and grades, making it easy to collect and grade. A comprehensive answer key is provided to facilitate quick checking and immediate feedback.

Teachers can implement this activity in under two minutes. Simply print the single-page PDF (30 seconds), distribute it to the class or place it in a literacy center (30 seconds), and use the included answer key for rapid review or self-correction (60 seconds). This streamlined design makes it an ideal choice for emergency sub plans, morning work transitions, or homework assignments that require minimal explanation.

This worksheet aligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.F, which requires students to read words with inflectional endings. It specifically targets the phonetic variations of the -s suffix, a critical component of early literacy development. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools to ensure instructional compliance.

Use this worksheet as a formative assessment after a direct instruction lesson on voiced and unvoiced consonant endings. Observe students as they whisper the words to themselves; those struggling to identify the /iz/ sound in words like "wishes" or "stretches" may need additional small-group support. It typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, providing a quick snapshot of student mastery.

This resource is designed for first and second-grade students, as well as English Language Learners (ELL) who struggle with the nuances of English suffix pronunciation. It pairs naturally with an anchor chart displaying the rules for /s/, /z/, and /iz/ sounds or a guided reading passage focusing on pluralization and subject-verb agreement.

Mastery of inflectional endings is a foundational pillar of early reading fluency. According to the NAEP framework, students who can accurately decode and pronounce word endings demonstrate significantly higher reading comprehension scores in later elementary years. This worksheet addresses the specific phonetic challenge of the -s and -es suffixes, which represent three distinct phonemes despite their identical spelling. By utilizing an "odd one out" format, the activity encourages active listening and phonological awareness, moving beyond rote memorization to true auditory discrimination. Research from Fisher & Frey (2014) emphasizes that targeted practice with word endings like CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.F supports the gradual release of responsibility, allowing students to transition from teacher-led phonics drills to independent decoding. This resource provides the structured repetition necessary for students to internalize these patterns, ensuring they can access more complex texts with confidence and accuracy.