How to Teach the FLOSS Rule // Spelling Rule with double ending letters (FF, LL, SS, ZZ)

Wondering how to teach the FLOSS rule to your students? This tricky spelling rule is often taught in first grade and in this video, I share what the floss rule is, some examples of this spelling rule, and example activities I love to use with students when teaching this rule! Just click play to watch!

If you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Susan's Sunday Spotlight, please tag me on Instagram @susanjonesteaching so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #susanssundayspotlight​

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Susan Jones

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[suzanneawtrey]

Thank you Susan! I teach first grade and have taught all the primary grades for 30 years. I have many of your resources and absolutely love the clear way you present your activities. The floss rule is new to me. Thank you so much for the freebie and your awesome content!

[pennyskahaug]

I have been teaching the FLOSS rule, using the Barton Reading and Spelling Program, for 3 years :)

[rebekahduncan]

Yes, we teach this rule within the From Sounds To Spelling program. We call them "twin letters".

[jillianmathews]

The Floss Rule is new to me. I teach 2nd. I will use your freebie thanks so much!

[karenmclean]

I have taught the doubling of ending letters using a different rule. The FLOSS rule however sounds clear and fun. Thanks for the activities and freebies. I do enjoy your videos👍

[marycento]

Susan, you are awesome as usual ! I’ve taught, 2nd grade mostly) for 37 years. I’m now in pupi services/testing/ESE, but love sharing with our teachers!! I just recently heard of the FLOSS rule but never taught it! Thanks for the mini lesson & activities !! You are amazing & ❤️ Your tips!!!!

[pennyskahaug]

Yes :) I teach Reading Intervention using The Barton Reading & Spelling system and also add it to whole group reading in grade 1.
THANK YOU for the great teaching clips !!!

[leahlegrand]

Hi Susan, I teach first grade and use Fundations so I have taught this rule for 16 years.

[cathysmith]

Hi Susan! I teach first grade and have taught a modified version of this rule. Our curriculum calls it the "San Francisco Zoo" Rule and focuses on S, F, and Z being doubled. The double L is addressed as a separate skill. I really like your suggested activities in this video. I think the 1-1-1 rule is great for helping students understand why we double these letters and I love the word card and checklist activity. The phoneme manipulation activity for dictation will certainly help put a spin on what I typically do to practice encoding. Thank you for sharing these great ideas and resources!

[cherylclayton]

Thank you Susan! I teach this in Fundations in Grade 1. I appreciate your freebie

[jillhartleb]

Have taught this in Intervention with Fundations for about 5-6 years. Have incorporated the Floss rule into other programs since it is easy for the students to remember.

[Chrystalrector]

I teach this in first grade, calling it the floss rule. I give students the example of “Jeff will toss Buzz” because F L S Z in that sentence follows the rules. I still have my students finding words and telling me they found “floss rule” words. Thank you Susan! Love your videos!! 😊

[susanbrody]

Perfect timing! Started this unit in Fundations last week and will continue this week--now I have more resources. You have really helped this new-to-first-grade teacher a lot this year.

[torimcmillan]

Thanks for the fun ideas to use for working with the FSZL rule! One thing to note though - it's not always a short vowel sound. When a is followed by l it says the broad "aw" sound, such as ball, tall, wall etc.

[Lubby]

Hi Susan, I teach OGA. I use Buzz Off Miss Pill as a way to remember the FLOSS rule.

[jacquelinelopez]

Great video!! I teach using Fundations in 1st grade, we call it "Bonus Letter" thanks for the freebies.

[gaylegroth]

We teach this rule in 1st Grade using Sonday Phonics. The order of letters is changed, and we call it the FSZL ("fizzle") rule.

[lisabrouillette]

I do teach this rule and have for the last 11 years. I was trained in both Orton-Gillingham and Sonday.

[jayanthisuresh]

Your videos are awesome Susan. I have taught this rule in a different way. But there's more clarity in your method. Thanks for sharing.

[cindywilson]

Thank you so much, Susan. How did you know this is my focus this week? Perfect timing!!! Merry Christmas!