Spelling words with the superlative suffix -est
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can apply spelling rules to spell words with the superlative suffix -est.
Key learning points
- If the root word ends in 'y', remove the 'y' and add -iest.
- If the root word ends in 'e', remove the 'e' and add -est.
- If the root word contains a short vowel sound, double the consonant and add -est.
- 'Most' is irregular because it does not follow the same pattern. The comparative 'more' becomes 'most'.
- How to spell the curriculum words: secretary and controversy.
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
Superlative - the form of an adjective or adverb that indicates the highest degree of a quality when comparing three or more things
Common misconception
Pupils can think the -est suffix is spelt 'ist' or 'st' because that is what you can hear.
Review pupils' misconceptions after practice tasks. Even though the word can sound different, -est is always spelt in the same way.
Teacher tip
Contextualise spellings by using superlative adjectives in sentences. Look at comparative adjectives alongside superlative adjectives and talk about irregularities such as 'good', 'better', 'best' and 'bad', 'worse', 'worst'.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to the suffix it contains.
Q2.What happens when the suffix -est is added to a word such as 'long' or 'cold'?
Q3.What rule is being used when the word 'brave' becomes 'bravest' when adding the suffix -est?
Q4.Match the root words to the corresponding verbs with the suffix -est.
Q5.Select all the words containing the suffix -est.
Q6.Match the verbs to the rule they use when the suffix -est is added.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a superlative adjective?
Q2.What rule is being used when the word 'thin' becomes 'thinnest' when adding the suffix -est?
Q3.What rule is being used when the word 'healthy' becomes 'healthiest' when adding the suffix -est?
Q4.What rule is being used when the word 'pale' becomes 'palest' when adding the suffix -est?
Q5.What rule is being used when the word 'tough' becomes 'toughest' when adding the suffix -est?
Q6.Write the correct spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: The post office is always busyest early in the morning,
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Spelling words with the superlative suffix -est, 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 superlative suffix -est, 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.