1. Overview of the '-dge' Spelling Rule
'-dge' Spelling Rule Skill Explainer
What is the '-dge' spelling rule?
Quick Look: A Chant for the '-dge' Rule
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Marlene Gannaway: We have a rule that goes along with this spelling. It's a short vowel rule, so we're going to say it together. Ready? 1, 2, 3.
Marlene Gannaway and students: Immediately, after a short vowel in a one-syllable word. When you hear the /j/ sound, you spell it '-dge'. Yipee!
Marlene Gannaway: Good job, friends.
Note: Some educators and programs call '-dge' and '-tch' trigraphs. Just like a digraph is two letters that make one sound, a trigraph is three letters that make one sound.
Exception to the Rule
There are a few exceptions to the rule about using '-ge' at the end of a word. The words range, change, and strange are all one-syllable words that include the blocker 'n', but the 'a' makes its long sound, not short. These words can be taught as rule breakers or irregularly spelled words.
There are a few exceptions to the rule about using '-ge' at the end of a word. The words range, change, and strange are all one-syllable words that include the blocker 'n', but the 'a' makes its long sound, not short. These words can be taught as rule breakers or irregularly spelled words.
