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Year 4 - English

Doubling the consonant in polysyllabic words

Suffixes, etymology and homophones

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn spelling and grammar conventions associated with more suffixes like -ic, -ary and -ery. Pupils learn how the spelling of a word can relate to its etymological origin and its meaning. They also complete further investigations of compound words.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to spell polysyllabic words with a double consonant.

Key Notes

  • When there are two of the same consonants beside each other, we call this a double consonant.
  • Double consonants are often found after short vowel sounds.
  • Some letters are never doubled, 'h' 'k' 'j' 'v'.
  • Some letters are rarely doubled, 'c' 'z'. When they are, they usually come from another language.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: peculiar, particular and quarter.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • consonant: a sound that is made by blocking air in the mouth with the teeth, tongue, lips or palate
  • vowel: a speech sound produced with an open mouth
  • noun: words that name a person, place, thing, or idea, such as 'cat', 'school' or 'love'
  • origin: where something starts
  • syllable: a speech sound produced with an open mouth

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils often miss the double letters in the middle of words that have a suffix.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

When there are two of the same consonants beside each other, we call this a double consonant. Double consonants are often found after short vowel sounds.

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

a sound that is made by blocking air in the mouth with the teeth, tongue, lips or palate.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils often miss the double letters in the middle of words that have a suffix. Correction: Drawing attention to the patterns of how words are spelt when suffixes are added will help them to remember the double letter.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 English guide library.