The -ack word family
Printable list of -ack family words · 1 page
Explore reading programs
See all reading programs →Compare listed prices and grade ranges. Save favorites on this device; directory inclusion does not imply funding approval. Confirm current prices and availability with the provider.
The -ack family ends in short a and the ck digraph, which spells one /k/ sound. It's one of Wylie and Durrell's 37 common rimes, and it shows children an important spelling rule: right after a short vowel at the end of a one-syllable word, /k/ is usually spelled ck.
This list has back, lack, pack, rack, sack and tack, then black, crack, snack, stack and track with blends and shack with sh. Each word has three or four sounds even though it has four or five letters, so sound boxes are good practice here.
Compare -ack with -ake (back, bake) when silent e comes along: the short vowel takes ck, the long vowel takes k.
Tips for using it
- Point out that c and k work as a team: one sound, two letters, one box.
- Later, compare back and bake to show how ck follows a short vowel.
Variations
All word families listQuestions
What words are in the -ack family?
Back, lack, pack, rack, sack and tack, plus black, crack, shack, snack, stack and track.
Why is it spelled ck and not k?
In one-syllable words, a /k/ sound right after a short vowel is usually spelled ck (back, duck). After a long vowel or a consonant it's usually k (bake, milk).