2nd Grade R-Controlled Vowels (ar, or, er) Worksheets
Second graders sort the bossy r patterns quickly and take on the real spelling challenge: er, ir, and ur sound identical, so words like nurse, first, and letter must be remembered by sight. Sorting keeps those spellings in front of their eyes while the sound columns stay anchored by ear.
Free printable PDF, aligned to Common Core RF.2.3. 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 words you'll sort
Say each word, then write it under its bossy r sound.
fortyfaracornharmsparkmorningskirtpursechurchcorndirtscar
Columns: ar and or and er, ir, ur. "harm" belongs under ar; "morning" belongs under or; "purse" belongs under er, ir, ur.
Every print draws a fresh mix of word lists at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling gets a different sheet.
What's on each sheet
- Sorting. Say each word, then write it under its bossy r sound. 21 words per page.
Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.
How to teach this
The er column holds three spellings of one sound, and that's the grade-2 conversation: you can't hear the difference between fir and fur, so the eye has to learn each word. When a spelling error like "gurl" appears, write both forms and ask which looks right; that instinct is the goal.
Watch for: Er, ir, and ur all make the same sound; only the spelling differs (her, bird, fur). The r changes the vowel completely; sounding out c-a-r with a short a gives the wrong word.
Common questions about r-controlled vowels (ar, or, er)
- How do I help my child pick er, ir, or ur when spelling?
- There's no rule that decides it, so lean on word families and sight memory: -irst words (first, thirst), -urn words (turn, burn), and the common er ending in winter and summer. Writing the word both ways and asking which looks right builds the memory that eventually answers automatically.
- Are there words where the r doesn't boss the vowel?
- Yes, when the r starts the next syllable instead of closing the vowel's syllable: very, spirit, and arrow keep their normal vowel sounds. If your child meets one, it's a nice discovery: the r only takes charge when it stands right behind the vowel in the same syllable.
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Aligned to Common Core RF.2.3. Reviewed by the One More Sheet curriculum team. Content version 68, updated July 2026.