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Year 3 - English

Practise and apply spelling words with the suffixes "-less" and "-ful"

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 spell words using the suffixes -ful and -less.

Key Notes

  • The suffixes -ful and -less can be used to change the meaning of a root word.
  • 'Look, cover, write and check' is a useful practice strategy.
  • How to spell the curriculum word: famous.
  • The -less and -ful suffixes start with a consonant, so the root word usually doesn't change when the suffix is added.
  • If the root word has more than one syllable and ends in a consonant +y, then 'y' is replaced by 'i' before the suffix.

Vocabulary To Learn

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

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children may spell words with the suffix -ful using a double 'l'.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The suffixes -ful and -less can be used to change the meaning of a root word. 'Look, cover, write and check' is a useful practice strategy.

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

the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Children may spell words with the suffix -ful using a double 'l'. Correction: Explicilty make the distinction between the word 'full' and the suffix -ful, which only has one 'l'. Practise spelling both in a sentence.

More Lessons In This Unit

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