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Year 3 - English

Spelling more compound words

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 recognise and spell compound words.

Key Notes

  • Compound words are words made up of two or more pre-existing words.
  • The spelling of both words remains the same when the words are combined together.
  • How to spell the curriculum word: forwards.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
  • syllable: a single sound or beat in a word that contains a vowel sound
  • polysyllabic: a word that contains more than one sound or beat
  • compound word: two or more words joined together

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children might confuse pairs of words with compound words. e.g. bus stop.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Compound words are words made up of two or more pre-existing words. The spelling of both words remains the same when the words are combined together.

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 might confuse pairs of words with compound words. e.g. bus stop. Correction: Give examples of both and model mistakes e.g. write butterfly as 'butter fly' or bus stop as 'busstop' and discuss.

More Lessons In This Unit

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