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Year 2 - English

Applying the 'j' spellings, including 'g', 'ge' and 'dge'

Alternative GPCS for consonants and homophones

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn to spell homophones, near-homophones and new consonant spellings.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to apply spelling patterns for the representations of the 'j' phoneme: 'g', 'ge' and 'dge'.

Key Notes

  • The spelling 'dge' is usually used after short vowels.
  • The spelling 'ge' is usually used after consonants and other vowel sounds.
  • The spelling 'g' is often used before 'i', 'e' and 'y'.
  • The spelling 'j' is usually used before 'a', 'o' and 'u'.
  • How to spell the common exception word: laugh.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • digraph: two letters that represent one sound
  • trigraph: three letters that represent one sound
  • consonant: a sound that is made by blocking air in the mouth with the teeth, tongue, lips or palate
  • short vowel: a vowel sound that sounds short when spoken like "a" in "cat" or the "o" sound in "hot"

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may be unsure about what constitutes a long or short vowel sound.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

The spelling 'dge' is usually used after short vowels. The spelling 'ge' is usually used after consonants and other vowel sounds.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'digraph'

two letters that represent one sound.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may be unsure about what constitutes a long or short vowel sound. Correction: Be very explicit about what is the short vowel sound, like 'e' in 'ledge' and what is a long vowel sound, such as 'ar' in 'large'.

More Lessons In This Unit

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