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Year 4 - English

Practise and apply doubling the consonant in contrasting 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 contrasting 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.
  • Contrasting words are pairs or sets of words that have very similar spellings.
  • Contrasting words are often different because one has a double consonant, which impacts the pronunciation of the word.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: remember, medicine and address.

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 might assume that every word with a short vowel sound should have a double consonant.

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 might assume that every word with a short vowel sound should have a double consonant. Correction: Explain to pupils that this is not always the case and give them examples of words such as 'hot' not 'hott' and 'shut' not 'shutt'.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 English guide library.