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Guidance

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      Suffixes: -er and -est

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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can correctly form words using the suffixes -er and -est.

      Key learning points

      1. A suffix is a letter or group of letters at the end of a word which creates another word.
      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

      • Suffix - a letter or a group of letters at the end of a word which creates another word

      • 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

      The lead out for the letter r can be challenging for children.

      When introducing the suffix -er and its formation, take time to allow the students to investigate and practise the 'dip down' for the lead out.

      Teacher tip

      Make learning fun by using games, rhymes, or stories that incorporate the letters and joins they are learning.

      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

      Download starter quiz questions (PDF)

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these are common suffixes?

      Correct answer: -ing
      Correct answer: -ly
      -hjl
      -uvh

      Q2.
      Which join would be used to connect the letter c to the letter k?

      An image in a quiz
      first join - from the baseline to the x-height line
      Correct answer: second join - from the baseline to the ascender line
      third join - from the x-height line to the x-height line
      fourth join - from the x-height line to the ascender line

      Q3.
      Which join would be used to connect the letter i to the letter n?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: first join - from the baseline to the x-height line
      second join - from the baseline to the ascender line
      third join - from the x-height line to the x-height line
      fourth join - from the x-height line to the ascender line

      Q4.
      Which join would be used to connect the letter r to the letter l?

      An image in a quiz
      first join - from the baseline to the x-height line
      second join - from the baseline to the ascender line
      third join - from the x-height line to the x-height line
      Correct answer: fourth join - from the x-height line to the ascender line

      Q5.
      Which join would be used to connect the letter w to the letter o?

      An image in a quiz
      first join - from the baseline to the x-height line
      second join - from the baseline to the ascender line
      Correct answer: third join - from the x-height line to the x-height line
      fourth join - from the x-height line to the ascender line

      Q6.
      Which join would be used to connect the letter a to the letter m?

      Correct answer: first join - from the baseline to the x-height line
      second join - from the baseline to the ascender line
      third join - from the x-height line to the x-height line
      fourth join - from the x-height line to the ascender line

      To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Suffixes: -er and -est, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...