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Year 3 - English

Practise and apply spelling words with the suffixes "-er" and "-est"

More suffixes and silent letters

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn spelling and grammar conventions used with the suffixes -ly, -ful and -less, as well as the spelling of words with silent letters. Pupils will learn how the addition of a suffix can affect the grammar of a word, for example its word class or tense.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use a range of strategies to practise spelling words using the suffixes -er and -est.

Key Notes

-er and -est are suffixes that can be used to change the meaning of a root word.
The strategy 'big letters' is a useful practice strategy.
How to spell the curriculum word: special.

Vocabulary To Learn

suffix: a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning
root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
adjective: describes a noun

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Pupils may think that you can add -er or -est to any adjective and use it to make comparisons.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

-er and -est are suffixes that can be used to change the meaning of a root word. The strategy 'big letters' is a useful practice strategy.

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

a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may think that you can add -er or -est to any adjective and use it to make comparisons. Correction: Make pupils aware that we cannot always add the suffix -er or -est to compare. For example, good - better - best or bad - worse - worst.

More Lessons In This Unit

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