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      Prefixes: un-, non-, mis- and dis-

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can correctly form words using the prefixes un-, non-, mis- and dis-.

      Key learning points

      1. A prefix is a letter or group of letters added to the start of a word to change its meaning.
      2. The words start with a lead in and finish with a lead out.
      3. The pencil does not lift when forming the join, only after to add the cross to a t or a dot to an i or a j.
      4. There are four cursive joins.
      5. The join used depends on which letter is joining to which letter within a letter string.

      Keywords

      • Prefix - a letter or group of letters added to the start of a word to change its meaning

      • Join - how the letters are connected together

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

      • Lead in - the stroke or line that guides us into starting a letter

      • Lead out - the stroke or line that guides us to smoothly finish a letter

      Common misconception

      Children may want to take their pencil off after forming the prefix as they see it as separate to the root word.

      Encourage children by modelling and emphasising that the pencil only comes off the page once the letter string is complete. Getting them to identify the last letter before starting can help to remind them of this.

      Teacher tip

      Teach children to recognise and correct their own mistakes. This not only improves their writing but also builds their confidence.

      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.
      Select the words with the common word ending -sure.

      Correct answer: treasure
      nature
      jogging
      Correct answer: leisure

      Q2.
      Select the words with the common word ending -ture.

      playful
      Correct answer: picture
      Correct answer: structure
      closure

      Q3.
      Select the words which have a suffix.

      play
      Correct answer: playing
      sun
      Correct answer: sunny
      Correct answer: heavily

      Q4.
      Match the keyword to the definition.

      Correct Answer:letter string,a group of letters that are written together in a word

      a group of letters that are written together in a word

      Correct Answer:join,how the letters are connected together

      how the letters are connected together

      Correct Answer:lead in,the stroke or line that guides us into starting a letter

      the stroke or line that guides us into starting a letter

      Correct Answer:lead out,the stroke or line that guides us to smoothly finish a letter

      the stroke or line that guides us to smoothly finish a letter

      Q5.
      True or false? Which cursive letter join is used depends on which letter is joining to which letter.

      Correct Answer: true, True

      Q6.
      Which join is being used in this example?

      An image in a quiz
      first join - starting at the baseline
      second join - starting at the baseline
      Correct answer: third join - starting at the x-height line
      fourth join - starting at the x-height line

      To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Prefixes: un-, non-, mis- and dis-, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...