Spelling words with the comparative suffix -er
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can apply spelling rules to spell words with the comparative suffix -er.
Key learning points
- If the root word ends in 'y', remove the 'y' and add -ier.
- If the root word ends in 'e', remove the 'e' and add -er.
- If the root word contains a short vowel sound, double the consonant and add -er.
- 'Good' is irregular as it does not follow the same pattern. Instead we have good, better and best.
- How to spell the curriculum words: necessary and average.
Keywords
Suffix - a letter or group of letters added to the end of a root word
Root word - the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
Comparative - the form of an adjective or adverb that compares two or more things
Common misconception
Pupils often forget to double the consonant when adding the suffix -er.
Show non-examples when the consonant has not been doubled after a short vowel sound (hot-hoter). Explain how this alters our pronunciation.
Teacher tip
Ensure pupils are aware that whilst we can add the suffix -er to many adjectives to create a comparative adjective, some adjectives are irregular. Discuss words such as 'good' and 'bad' and any others that pupils come up with.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Identify the adjectives in this sentence: The bright, white moon shone in the sky.
Q2.How many syllables are in the following words: colder, fresher, faster.
Q3.Select the suffixes.
Q4.Select all the words containing the suffix -er.
Q5.Match the words ending with the suffix -er to their root words.
heavier
bigger
calmer
braver
Q6.What rule is being used when the word 'quick' becomes 'quicker' when adding the suffix -er?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The suffixes -er and -est help us to...
Q2.What rule is being used when the word 'flat' becomes 'flatter' when adding the suffix -er?
Q3.What rule is being used when the word 'early' becomes 'earlier' when adding the suffix -er?
Q4.What rule is being used when the word 'safe' becomes 'safer' when adding the suffix -er?
Q5.What rule is being used when the word 'quiet' becomes 'quieter' when adding the suffix -er?
Q6.Write the correct spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: I took the largr piece of cake!
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Spelling words with the comparative suffix -er, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Spelling words with the comparative suffix -er, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Homophones and tense unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.