I’m Seeing Double – 1-1-1 Doubling Rule Explained

Continuing with Suffix Rules, the first one I will go in depth on is the 1-1-1 Doubling Rule. The grade level this rule corresponds with is 2^nd through 12^th.

Before teaching this rule, one should know:

1. What a suffix is
2. That some suffixes begin with vowels and some with consonants
3. The difference between one and two syllable words.

The 1-1-1 Doubling Rule says: 1 syllable words ending in 1 consonant after 1 vowel double the final consonant before a vowel suffix.

Why do we double? Because doubling keeps the vowel short.

For this rule, worksheets are great, but it is better if you have plenty of interaction to get this rule across. For example, if you are with a child (or children), write the word and the suffix and ask, did you double? Is the word one syllable? Does it end in 1 Consonant? Is there a vowel before the consonant? Is there only 1 vowel (versus a vowel team which changes things)?

Example: step + ing = stepping

Example of not doubling: pump + ing = pumping   Why? Consonant blend at the end of pump keeps us from doubling.

For dictation, be sure to give non-sense words as well as real words.

Below is a sheet explaining the rule. You should also do dictation using nonsense words.

Examples of nonsense words to use for dictation:

Bleg + er (blegger)

Cretch + ing (cretching)

Prag + ness (pragness)

Thronk + ful (thronkful)

Sprug + er (sprugger)

1-1-1 Rule cloud sheet

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