2nd Grade The Doubling Rule Worksheets
When a short word ends in one vowel plus one consonant, that last consonant doubles before -ing, -ed, or -er: run, running; hop, hopped; big, bigger. Second graders apply the rule and start hearing why it exists: the double letter keeps the vowel short.
Free printable PDF, aligned to Common Core L.2.2.d. One skill per page, answer key on page two.
Every sheet is one of a kind and prints with a version code, so you can reprint the exact same one later. New version every click.
The kind of sentences you'll fix
Put the pieces together and write the whole word on the line.
-
spot + ed =
Fixed: spotted
- drip + ed =
- clap + ed =
Every print draws a fresh mix of sentences at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling gets a different sheet.
What's on each sheet
- Fix it. Put the pieces together and write the whole word on the line. 7 sentences to fix per page.
- Choose the word. Circle the letter of the correct spelling. 8 questions per page.
Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.
How to teach this
The rule earns its keep through sound: say hopping and hoping aloud and let your child hear the short o guarded by the double p. Check three things on the base word: one vowel, one final consonant, short sound. If all three, double. Words like jump or rest fail the checklist and need nothing.
Watch for: The double letter protects the short vowel sound: hopping keeps the short o, hoping turns it long. Words ending in two consonants (jump, rest) never double: jumping, resting.
Common questions about the doubling rule
- How do I explain why letters double?
- The double consonant is a bodyguard for the short vowel. Without it, the vowel goes long: hoping says its o's name, hopping keeps it short. Once kids hear that difference aloud, the rule stops being arbitrary and starts being useful.
- Which words does the rule apply to?
- Short words ending in exactly one vowel and one consonant: run, hop, clap, swim, stop. Words ending in two consonants (jump, park) or two vowels plus a consonant (rain, read) skip the doubling entirely. The one-one-short checklist covers it.
Related worksheets
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Aligned to Common Core L.2.2.d. Reviewed by the One More Sheet curriculum team. Content version 68, updated July 2026.