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Year 3 - English

Practise and apply spelling words with the prefixes "dis-", "non-", "mis-" and "un-"

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 spell words using the prefixes dis-, non-, mis- and un-.

Key Notes

  • A prefix is a letter or group of letters at the start of word which creates another word.
  • The prefixes dis-, non- and un- mean 'not', mis- usually means 'wrongly'.
  • Colour blocking is a useful practice strategy.
  • How to spell the curriculum word: recent.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
  • prefix: a letter or group of letters added to the start of a root word to change its meaning

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils misspell the words with prefixes because they cannot spell the root word.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

A prefix is a letter or group of letters at the start of word which creates another word. The prefixes dis-, non- and un- mean 'not', mis- usually means 'wrongly'.

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: Pupils misspell the words with prefixes because they cannot spell the root word. Correction: Draw attention to tricky elements of the root words as necessary, e.g. the 'ea' in healthy - unhealthy.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.