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Year 6 - English

Spelling further homophones

Homophones and tense

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils build and review a range of spelling patterns with a focus on homonyms, homophones and a wide range of suffixes, including -ed, -ing, -er, -est, -s, -ies, -es, -ves, -le, -el, -il, -al, -cian, -tion, -sion, -ssion, -ous, -tious, -cious, -cial and -tial.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify the correct spelling of words that sound the same based on their context.

Key Notes

  • Two or more words that sound the same but have different meanings or spellings are called homophones.
  • 'Whose' and 'who's' are homophones.
  • 'Stationary' and 'stationery' are homophones.
  • We can look for naughty letters to help us to remember tricky spellings.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: according and individual.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • homophone: words that sound the same, but have different spellings and meanings
  • word class: different types of words that are used to form sentences
  • context: the surrounding words or sentences that help determine the meaning of a word or phrase

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Homophones sound the same so pupils may rely on previous spelling rules and so, spell them the same.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Two or more words that sound the same but have different meanings or spellings are called homophones. 'Whose' and 'who's' are homophones.

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

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

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Homophones sound the same so pupils may rely on previous spelling rules and so, spell them the same. Correction: Spend time showing each word in a sentence, use images to support understanding and make sure each homophone is practised using a strategy.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 English guide library.