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Year 3 - English

Practise and apply spelling homophones

Prefixes, homonyms and homophones

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn spelling and grammar conventions associated with prefixes meaning 'not', like dis-, non-, mis- and un-, as well as the spelling of homophones, homonyms and some compound words.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use a range of strategies to practise spelling homophones.

Key Notes

  • Homophones are words that have different spellings and multiple meanings, but sound the same.
  • The meaning of a homophone is dependent on the context.
  • Using the strategy 'naughty letters' is a useful practice strategy.
  • How to spell the curriculum word: address.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • homophone: words that sound the same, but have different spellings and meanings
  • common exception word: words that do not follow usual spelling patterns and cannot be sounded out easily

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Many homophones are common exception words and pupils often confuse homophones within sentences.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Homophones are words that have different spellings and multiple meanings, but sound the same. The meaning of a homophone is dependent on the context.

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

words that sound the same, but have different spellings and meanings.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Many homophones are common exception words and pupils often confuse homophones within sentences. Correction: Give pupils the chance to choose the spellings they find most difficult and give them the strategies to help them practise.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.