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Reviewing the suffixes -tion, -cian, -sion, -ssion

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can correctly write words using the suffixes -tion, -cian, -sion, -ssion in cursive handwriting.

Key learning points

  1. The /shun/ suffix can be spelt -tion, -sion, -ssion or -cian.
  2. The words start with a lead in on the line and finish with a lead out.
  3. The cursive letter join used depends on which letter is joining to which letter.
  4. You don't lift your pencil when forming the joins.
  5. You only lift your pencil once the letter string is complete or there is a break letter within the letter string.

Keywords

  • Suffix - a letter or group of letters at the end of a word which creates another word

  • Noun - a naming word for a person, place or thing

  • Join - how the letters are connected together

  • Letter string - a group of letters that are written together in a word

Common misconception

The words in this lesson are over five letters long, so children might struggle to be consistent with the letter formation or the joins used.

Model looking at the words carefully before writing them. Point out which letters have ascenders or descenders and what that will mean for the formation of the letters.

Teacher tip

Get the children to self or peer assess their work, focusing on letter formation as well as use of the joins.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
True or false? Cursive handwriting is the same as print handwriting.

Correct Answer: false, False

Q2.
How many cursive letter joins are there?

2
3
Correct answer: 4
5

Q3.
Which cursive letter join does this example show?

An image in a quiz
first join - from the baseline to the x-height line
Correct answer: second join - from the baseline to the ascender line
third join - from the x-height line to the x-height line
fourth join - from the x-height line to the ascender line

Q4.
Which cursive letter join does this example show?

An image in a quiz
first join - from the baseline to the x-height line
second join - from the baseline to the ascender line
Correct answer: third join - from the x-height line to the x-height line
fourth join - from the x-height line to the ascender line

Q5.
Which cursive letter join does this example show?

An image in a quiz
first join - from the baseline to the x-height line
second join - from the baseline to the ascender line
third join - from the x-height line to the x-height line
Correct answer: fourth join - from the x-height line to the ascender line

Q6.
In cursive, which join would be used to join the letter a to the letter c?

Correct answer: first join - from the baseline to the x-height line
second join - from the baseline to the ascender line
third join - from the x-height line to the x-height line
fourth join - from the x-height line to the ascender line
Q3 NA

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