Using hyphens to join prefixes to root words
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify when to use a hyphen to join a prefix to a root word.
Key learning points
- A hyphen can be used to join a prefix to a root word but there are no set rules.
- Hyphens are more commonly used to prevent two vowels appearing next to each other e.g. re-enter and co-ordinate.
- Hyphens are often used with the prefixes ex- and self- e.g. ex-president and self-care.
- Hyphens can join a prefix to a root word to avoid ambiguity in meaning e.g. re-cover or recover.
- How to spell the curriculum words: interrupt and exaggerate.
Keywords
Prefix - a letter or group of letters added to the start of a root word to change its meaning
Root word - the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
Hyphen - a punctuation mark that can join a prefix to a base word to avoid spelling or meaning ambiguity
Common misconception
Pupils may start using hyphens for all prefixes.
Emphasise that not all prefixes require a hyphen - some prefixes use them more frequently, but others rarely do.
Teacher tip
Refer to the Year 6 Grammar Unit 'Punctuation' to explore the use and purposes of a hyphen more explicitly.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Select the prefixes.
Q2.What does the prefix co- usually mean? Example words are 'coordinate' or 'copilot'.
Q3.What does the prefix inter- usually mean? Example words are 'international' or 'intercity'.
Q4.What does the word 'recover' mean?
Q5.Match these words to their meanings.
sign again
a former (past) wife
belief in yourself
Q6.Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'Please reewind the film.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match these prefixes to the appropriate root words.
negotiable
centred
girlfriend
existing
Q2.Select the statements about prefixes which are correct.
Q3.Fill in the gap in the following sentence: 'Luca decided to __________ from his position on the school council to focus on other activities.'
Q4.Fill in the gap in the following sentence: 'Dad decided to __________ the old chair with a bright, new fabric to make it look brand new.'
Q5.Select the words where a hyphen could be used to separate two vowels next to each other.
Q6.Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'He had a tendency to exadgerate a story to make people laugh.'
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Using hyphens to join prefixes to root words, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Using hyphens to join prefixes to root words, 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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