Shh! Silent Letters kn, wr and mb

About This Resource

A complete Grade 3 ESL phonics pack on silent letters in kn (knee, knock), wr (write, wrap) and mb (lamb, thumb). Students find the letter we write but do not say, sort words by pattern, choose the correct spelling, read sentences aloud and write their own silent-letter sentences. Includes slides, a lesson plan, worksheet, quiz, homework, flashcards, a rubric and answer keys.

Overview

Some English words have letters we write but do not say. At the start of a word, k is silent before n (knee, knot, knock) and w is silent before r (write, wrap, wrist). At the end of a word, b is silent after m (lamb, thumb, climb). These letters were pronounced long ago, which is why they are still in the spelling. Students listen for the sound, cross out the silent letter, sort words into the three patterns, choose correct spellings and use the words in sentences.

Resource Details

Subject: ESL
Topic: Silent Letters kn, wr and mb
Category: Phonics
File Type: PDF
File Size: 357.1 KB
Published: 12 Nov 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 3 ESL (ages 8–9), A1–A2 45 minutes Phonics spelling reading aloud writing

Learning Objectives

Recognize the silent letters in kn, wr and mb words.
Read and spell common words with these patterns.
Use silent-letter words in sentences.

How to Use This Resource

Show the slides. Write knee and ask: "Which letter do we not hear?"
Do worksheet activities 1 and 2 together, saying each word aloud.
Students complete activities 3 to 6, then use the quiz and send the homework page home.

Classroom Activity Ideas

Shh cards: students hold a finger to their lips when they see the silent letter in a word card.
Silent letter hunt: students find kn, wr and mb words in a short text.
Spelling relay: teams race to write a word you say, remembering the silent letter.

Differentiation

Support: focus on kn and wr with picture cards. Challenge: students find other silent letters (the h in hour, the l in walk) and make a class list.

Assessment

Use the worksheet and quiz to check spelling and recognition. Use the rubric while students read sentences aloud.

Teacher Tips

Students who learn English through reading may pronounce the silent letter (k-nee). Model the correct sound and point out that the word sounds like it starts with n. Spelling games help students remember that the letter is still written.

What's Included

10-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (8 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (6 activities)
Quiz / assessment (3 parts)
Homework practice page
Printable flashcards: 8 A5 picture cards (separate PDF)
Assessment rubric (4 levels)
Lesson slides (editable PowerPoint)
Editable Word version of all student pages
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)

Additional Files

Lesson Slides (PPTX)
Editable Student Pages and Lesson Plan (DOCX)
A5 Flashcards (PDF)
Answer Key (PDF)

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