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Year 6 - English

Spelling words with the suffixes -tion and -cian

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 spell words with the suffix -tion and -cian.

Key Notes

  • The /shun/ sound spelt -tion is the most common spelling.
  • The /shun/ sound spelt -tion is used when the root word ends with 't' or 'te'.
  • The /shun/ sound spelt -cian is used for jobs, e.g. politician, mathematician.
  • The /shun/ sound spelt -cian is used when the root words ends in 'c' or 'cs' e.g. politics-politician.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: competition and bargain.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
  • suffix: a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning
  • verb: a doing, being or having word
  • noun: a naming word for people, places or things

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children may struggle to know which /shun/ spelling to use.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The /shun/ sound spelt -tion is the most common spelling. The /shun/ sound spelt -tion is used when the root word ends with 't' or 'te'.

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

the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Children may struggle to know which /shun/ spelling to use. Correction: If needed, refer back to the Year 4 content where the /shun/ spellings are introduced initially. Emphasise that -tion is the 'best bet' and most common spelling and use that as the focus for the lesson.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 English guide library.