Double Endings ll ss ff for Kids: The Floss Rule Made Simple (Grade 1 English)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Listen to these words. Bell, kiss, puff. They each end with one sound, but two letters! Today we will learn when to double the l, s or f at the end of a word.

Here is the rule. When a short word has one short vowel, and it ends with an l, s or f sound, we usually write two of that letter. Two letters, one sound!

Some people call this the floss rule, because the word floss follows it. F, l, o, s, s. The letters f, l and s are the ones we double. It is easy to remember!

Let's look at double l words. Bell, hill, doll and full. Each has one short vowel, and the l sound at the end is spelled with two l letters.

Now double s and double f. Mess, dress and kiss end with s s. Puff, cliff and stuff end with f f. Say each word and listen for the short vowel.

Watch out for a few rule breakers. Bus, gas and yes end with just one s. If is a tiny word with one f. Most words still follow the rule, so try doubling first.

Now it's your turn. A big rock wall by the sea is a c l i, and then what? One f, or two? Pause and try. It is two! Cliff ends with a double f.

Great job! Short words with one short vowel often end with a double l, s or f. Remember the floss rule. Two letters, one sound! Practice double endings in the English Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!