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Year 3 - English

Suffixes: -er and -est

Letter strings

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils apply their handwriting skills to writing words with prefixes, suffixes and other word endings.They identify which of the four joins are used within a letter string and focus on using consistent joins, pencil lifts and lead ins and lead outs in each letter string.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to correctly form words using the suffixes -er and -est.

Key Notes

  • A suffix is a letter or group of letters at the end of a word which creates another word.
  • The words start with a lead in and finish with a lead out.
  • The pencil does not lift when forming the join, only after to add the cross to a t or a dot to an i or a j.
  • There are four cursive joins.
  • The join used depends on which letter is joining to which letter within a letter string.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • suffix: a letter or a group of letters at the end of a word which creates another word
  • join: how the letters are connected together
  • letter string: a group of letters that are written together in a word
  • lead in: the stroke or line that guides us into starting a letter
  • lead out: the stroke or line that guides us to smoothly finish a letter

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The lead out for the letter r can be challenging for children.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

A suffix is a letter or group of letters at the end of a word which creates another word. The words start with a lead in and finish with a lead out.

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

a letter or a group of letters at the end of a word which creates another word.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The lead out for the letter r can be challenging for children. Correction: When introducing the suffix -er and its formation, take time to allow the students to investigate and practise the 'dip down' for the lead out.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.