Spelling words with the suffixes -er and -est
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can change the meaning of a word by adding the suffixes -er and -est.
Key learning points
- -er and -est are suffixes that can be used to change the meaning of a root word.
- For some root words you can add the suffix -er.
- For some root words you can add the suffix -est.
- For root words ending in 'e' you remove the 'e' and add the suffix -er or -est.
- How to spell the curriculum word: minute.
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
Common misconception
Pupils can think the -est suffix is spelt 'ist' or 'st' because that is what you can hear.
Review pupils' misconceptions after practice tasks. Even though the word can sound different, -est is always spelt in the same way.
Teacher tip
Use objects or images to show how we can compare and describe things using adjectives containing the suffixes -er and -est.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Select the adjective from the following sentence: 'The tall trees swayed.'
Q2.Where would you find a suffix?
Q3.Match the word to the suffix it contains.
Q4.What rule is used when 'fear' becomes 'fearless'?
Q5.What rule is used when 'play' becomes 'playful'?
Q6.Match the words to the rules that apply when adding the suffix -y.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Select all the words containing the suffix '-er'.
Q2.Match the words to the suffix they contain.
Q3.What word class is the word in bold in the following sentence: 'Ben felt braver when my friend arrived.'
Q4.What happens when the suffix -est is added to a word such as 'long' or 'quick'?
Q5.What happens when the suffix -er is added to a root word ending in 'e', such as 'nice' or 'wise'?
Q6.Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'We arrived one minnit late.'
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Spelling words with the suffixes -er and -est, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Spelling words with the suffixes -er and -est, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the More suffixes and silent letters unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.