Long U Words Worksheets: Practice 4 Common Spellings

Dive into these engaging long “u” worksheets to discover four exciting ways to spell the long “u” sound in English! Tailored for first and second graders, these pages will make learning to read and spell even more fun.  Today, we’re focusing on four popular long “u” vowel teams: **ue**, **ew**, **ui**, and **oo**. With examples and everyday language usage, we’ll make it easy to understand how these combinations work. Let’s explore together and enhance those reading skills!

Long u Words

Did you know the long u sound can be spelled several different ways—and even has two different pronunciations? Some words use the /y/ /oo/ sound like in unicorn, while others use the /oo/ sound like in moon. In today’s fun activity, we’re focusing on four spelling patterns that make the /y/ /oo/ sound to help your child build confidence with tricky vowel teams!

The 4 long u patterns we’re working on with these free printable phonics worksheets today are:

• 🟣 UE – Found at the end of a word after a consonant. Example: cue, glue, argue
• 🔵 EW – Usually at the end of a word. Example: blew, chew, grew
• 🟡 UI – Often in the middle of a word. Example: fruit, juice, suit
• 🟠 OO – Often found in the middle or end. Example: tool, moon, scoop

We have lots more free language arts worksheets! Try these vowel activities like free long u sound words clip cards, ue words game, ew sound words, vowel team ui words game, and cut and paste long and short oo worksheets.

Long u words worksheets

Start by scrolling to the bottom of the post, under the terms of use, and click on the text link that says >> ___________<<. The long u printables pdf file will open in a new window for you to save your freebie. Now print off  the pages. This pack contains all black and white pages.

Long u Vowel Teams

Let’s dive into some fascinating aspects of English phonetics! Today, we’re exploring four common long “u” vowel teams: **ue**, **ew**, **ui**, and **oo**. These combinations can make learning to read and spell a bit more interesting, so let’s break them down with examples and usage in everyday language.

• **ue**: This vowel team is often found at the end of words and typically gives the “u” a long sound. A prime example is the word **“blue.”** You might describe a clear sky as being **blue and beautiful.** Another example is **“queue,”** a word commonly used when you’re waiting in line. You might say, **“I waited patiently in the queue for my turn.”**
• **ew**: The “ew” team also produces the long “u” sound and is frequently found in words that relate to nature or objects. A great example is **“new.”** You could say, **“I just bought a new car!**” Another example is **“few.”** You might express that **“There were a few cookies left on the plate,”** emphasizing the small number remaining.
• **ui**: This less common vowel team can also create that long “u” sound, with **“fruit”** being a familiar example. You might say, **“Eating fruit is part of a balanced diet.”** Another example is **“suit.”** For instance, **“He wore a sharp suit to the interview,”** where “suit” refers to formal attire.
• **oo**: Finally, the “oo” team can produce a long “u” sound depending on the context. A perfect example is **“moon,”** a lovely word to use when discussing the night sky: **“The moon shone brightly last night.”** Additionally, **“spoon”** is a handy item in the kitchen that you could refer to by saying, **“Please hand me a spoon for my soup.”**

Understanding these vowel teams not only enhances your spelling and pronunciation skills but also enriches your vocabulary. Try using these examples in your conversations or writing, and notice how they can make your language more vibrant!

📌 Directions:

• Print the worksheet and grab some Do-A-Dot markers.
• Optional: Laminate the page and use transparent counters for reusable practice.
• Clearly pronounce the long u sound in the word for your child.
• Have your child repeat the sound.
• Read the full word together, then dot or cover the correct spelling pattern.
• For bonus practice, have them write the word on a whiteboard or in a notebook.

✨ Long u Words List

Here’s how our words fit into each category. Each word makes either the /y/ /oo/ sound or the /oo/ sound:

UE (/y/ /oo/ or /oo/)

• argue (/y/ /oo/)
• glue (/oo/)
• cue (/y/ /oo/)
• clue (/oo/)
• fondue (/oo/)
• tissue (/oo/)
• rescue (/y/ /oo/)
• blue (/oo/)
• jewel (/y/ /oo/)

EW (/y/ /oo/ or /oo/)

• blew (/oo/)
• chew (/oo/)
• grew (/oo/)
• screw (/oo/)
• view (/y/ /oo/)

UI (/oo/)

• fruit
• juice
• cruise
• suit

OO (/oo/)

• tool
• stool
• scoop
• loop
• moon
• cool

Practicing long u words doesn’t have to be boring. With some dot markers, repetition, and a little laughter, your child will be mastering those tricky vowel teams in no time. Keep listening for those sounds in books, signs, and conversations—and celebrate every success along the way! Long u sound worksheets