2nd Grade · Core Spelling
R-Controlled Vowels: ER, IR, and UR
A focused 2nd Grade practice list contrasting ER, IR, and UR as three common spellings for the same r-controlled sound.
These spelling words are a good fit for students who...
- can spell familiar ar and or words from 1st Grade
- can hear the shared r-controlled sound in “her,” “bird,” and “turn”
- will try er, ir, or ur on an unfamiliar word even when the guess turns out wrong
Word list
The 9 words to practice in this step
2nd Grade · Core Spelling
- her
- fern
- term
- bird
- first
- girl
- turn
- hurt
- burn
9 words
Spelling Skill
R-Controlled ER, IR, and UR Words
Learn how this spelling pattern works, see examples, common mistakes, and teaching guidance.
Explore the R-Controlled ER, IR, and UR skill →Why these words — and what they teach
The vowel sound in her, bird, and turn can be spelled three ways. This list helps children remember which spelling belongs to a small group of familiar words.
The balanced groups show er in her, fern, and term; ir in bird, first, and girl; and ur in turn, hurt, and burn. Since the three patterns sound alike in these words, visual comparison and memory matter. The linked Skill page remains the canonical deep reference.
How to practice this list
Read each group, cover it, and dictate a mixed selection. When your child hesitates, ask for a known word from the same spelling group rather than asking them to sound it out again.
A child may choose the wrong vowel while keeping r, such as berd for bird. Confirm that the r-controlled sound is right, show the correct group anchor, and invite a vowel-only correction.
Move on when your child can sort and spell the familiar words under er, ir, or ur across more than one practice session and use an anchor to revise a mix-up.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a rule for choosing ER, IR, or UR?
- No dependable sound rule identifies the spelling because ER, IR, and UR sound alike in these words. Children learn the spelling by comparing, reading, and writing familiar words repeatedly.