Spelling words with the -able suffix
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can spell words with the suffix -able and -ably.
Key learning points
- The -able and -ably endings are the most common spellings for this sound and are therefore the best bet.
- Removing the -able suffix generally leaves a recognisable word, e.g. understand - understandable
- Words in word families using the suffixes -ation, -able and -ably are connected in spelling and meaning.
- Drop the final -e of the root word before adding the suffix -able unless the words end in -ce or -ge
- How to spell the curriculum words: privilege, system.
Keywords
Suffix - a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning
Root word - the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
Adjective - describes a noun
Adverb - describes a verb
Common misconception
Children mix up the -ible and -able spellings.
Use the rules shown in the lesson: Is there is a recognisable root word without the ending? Is this a modern word? Is there a related word ending in -ation? These will all help to identify the -able spelling.
Teacher tip
Allow pupils the opportunity to apply the different versions of a word in sentences orally to help them identify what 'sounds right'. Use my turn, your turn, to model simple sentences to apply any unfamiliar vocabulary correctly.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What word class is the word in bold in the following sentence: 'This cat is adorable.'
Q2.What word class is the word in bold in the following sentence: 'The kitten purred adorably.'
Q3.Match the words ending in -able to their root word.
enjoy
sustain
rely
Q4.Select the correct spelling.
Q5.Select the correct spelling.
Q6.Identify the words with a 'soft g' sound.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Select the true statements that complete the following sentence: Words using the -able suffix ...
Q2.Match the root words to the words ending in -able.
admirable
manageable
comfortable
Q3.Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'This toy is a reasonible price.'
Q4.Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'The weather is chanjible today.'
Q5.Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'You have proved yourself to be very relyible.'
Q6.Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'The dove is a cymbal of peace.'
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Spelling words with the -able suffix, 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 -able suffix, 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.
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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 Letter strings, etymology and curriculum words unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.