Skip to content

Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Year 4 - English

Spelling homophones

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 homophones.

Key Notes

  • Words that are pronounced the same but have different spellings and meanings are called homophones.
  • Unlike other words we have investigated, there are no patterns for homophones.
  • The way a word is spelt and its place within a sentence will tell us its meaning.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: ordinary, grammar and women.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • homophone: words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children may not know the spelling due to not always being able to rely on rules.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Words that are pronounced the same but have different spellings and meanings are called homophones. Unlike other words we have investigated, there are no patterns for homophones.

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

words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Children may not know the spelling due to not always being able to rely on rules. Correction: Remind children of the range of spelling strategies they could use to remember the spellings, such as naughty letters or big letters.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 English guide library.