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      Suffixes: -ful and -less

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can correctly form words using the suffixes -ful and -less.

      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 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 cursive formation of the letter f, with the lead in and lead out loop, can be challenging for students.

      When modelling, ensure to include examples of words with the letter f at the beginning of the word and in the middle. Remind pupils that the letter f is the only letter in the alphabet with an ascender and a descender, therefore two loops.

      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.
      How many cursive joins are there in cursive handwriting?

      1
      2
      Correct answer: 4
      3

      Q2.
      Select the second join.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q3.
      Select the third join.

      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q4.
      Select the fourth join.

      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q5.
      Match the letter string with the correct join used to connect the letters.

      Correct Answer:ac,first join - baseline to x-height line

      first join - baseline to x-height line

      Correct Answer:al,second join - baseline to ascender line

      second join - baseline to ascender line

      Correct Answer:oo,third join - x-height line to x-height line

      third join - x-height line to x-height line

      Correct Answer:ok,fourth join - x-height line to ascender line

      fourth join - x-height line to ascender line

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

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

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