The Ending “ion” Spelling Rule
The “ion” Ending Spelling Rule
One spelling pattern that drives kids and adults crazy is the “ion” suffix. Specifically, when do you spell “cian,” “sion,” and “tion.” The latter two spellings are especially confusing.
The Ending “ion” Spelling Rule
- If the suffix sounds like /shun/ and indicates a person, spell “cian” (musician).
- When a suffix sounds like /shun/ and follows an l or s, spell “sion” (expulsion, mission). Also, when the suffix sounds like /zyun/, spell “sion” (explosion).
- In all other cases, spell the /ion/ sound as “tion” (motion).
Exceptions to the rule: The “mit” root changes to “mis” and adds on “sion” instead of “tion.” Examples: commit-commission, permit-permission
Check out the song! The Ending “ion” Rule
Ending “ion” Twinkle
(to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”)
1. If the /shun/ sound you do hear
Twinkle, twinkle little star,
And it follows l or s.
How I wonder what you are.
Or if you, hear a /zyun/
Up above the world so high,
For both spell “s-i-o-n”.
Like a diamond in the sky.
Both these rules will serve you well,
Twinkle, twinkle little star,
Learning all the ways to spell.
How I wonder what you are.
2. When a person you describe,
Twinkle, twinkle little star,
You should spell “c-i-a-n.”
How I wonder what you are.
In most every other case,
Up above the world so high,
Simply spell “t-i-o-n”.
Like a diamond in the sky.
Both these rules will serve you well,
Twinkle, twinkle little star,
Learning all the ways to spell.
How I wonder what you are.
*****
Differentiated Spelling Instruction
I’m Mark Pennington, author of the full-year Differentiated Spelling Instruction programs for grades 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The grade-level programs include weekly tests, based upon conventional spelling rules and developmental spelling patterns, weekly spelling sorts, review games, and audio links to catchy spelling songs. Additionally, the comprehensive diagnostic spelling assessment (audio file included) tests spelling patterns from previous grade levels, and the corresponding worksheets allow you to pinpoint instruction according to individual needs. Each worksheet includes a formative assessment to help you determine whether students have mastered the spelling instruction. The program is simple to implement and doesn’t take up too many valuable instructional minutes. You do have other subjects to teach!
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