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Year 3 - English

Practise and apply turning nouns from singular to plural

Writing -ed and -ing suffixes

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn certain spelling rules associated with -ed and -ing suffixes. Pupils learn how the addition of a suffix can affect the grammar of a word, particularly in relation to a word's tense.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use a range of strategies to practise turning words from singular to plural.

Key Notes

  • -s is a suffix that can turn a singular noun into a plural.
  • -es is a suffix that can turn a singular noun into a plural.
  • Using the strategy "colour blocks" is a useful practice strategy.
  • How to spell the curriculum word: thought.

Vocabulary To Learn

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

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may add -es or -ies to all words ending in the letter 'y'.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

-s is a suffix that can turn a singular noun into a plural. -es is a suffix that can turn a singular noun into a plural.

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 add -es or -ies to all words ending in the letter 'y'. Correction: Ensure pupils understand that words ending in a vowel, then a 'y', follow a different rule. Remind them we just add -s to make them plural.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.