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      Practise and apply spelling homonyms

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use a range of strategies to practise spelling homonyms.

      Key learning points

      1. A homonym is a word which has the same spelling but multiple meanings.
      2. The meaning of a homonym is dependent on the context.
      3. Using the strategy 'pyramid letters' is a useful practice strategy.
      4. How to spell the curriculum word: surprise.

      Keywords

      • Homonym - words that have the same spelling or pronunciation as other words but a different meaning.

      • Homophone - words that sound the same, but have different spellings and meanings.

      • Pronunciation - the way a word or language is spoken, including the sounds, stress and intonation patterns

      Common misconception

      Children may not understand the difference between 'homophone' and 'homonym'.

      Give specific examples of homophones (e.g. hair and hare) and homonyms (e.g. bark) and discuss the differences.

      Teacher tip

      Various contexts and use of images can support with solidifying children's understanding of both homonyms and homophones.

      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.
      Match the words to the correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:homonyms,words that look the same, but have different meanings

      words that look the same, but have different meanings

      Correct Answer:homophones,words that sound the same, but have different spellings

      words that sound the same, but have different spellings

      Correct Answer:pronunciation ,the way a word or language is spoken

      the way a word or language is spoken

      Q2.
      What word class is the word 'lead' in this sentence? The pipes were lined with lead.

      verb
      adjective
      adverb
      Correct answer: noun

      Q3.
      Choose the correct spelling for the word in bold. The brite sun was shining in my eyes.

      briet
      Correct answer: bright
      brIt
      brit

      Q4.
      Choose the correct spelling for the word in bold. The fligh landed on the piece of fruit.

      flI
      flye
      Correct answer: fly
      flie

      Q5.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in this sentence: She had to tair a piece of paper.

      Correct Answer: tear

      Q6.
      Order the steps for the 'big letters' strategy.

      1 - look
      2 - write small
      3 - write bigger
      4 - write biggest

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Choose the correct spelling of the missing word. It was a huge __________!

      surprize
      suprise
      Correct answer: surprise
      surpriz

      Q2.
      Match the words to the correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:homonyms,words that look the same, but have different meanings

      words that look the same, but have different meanings

      Correct Answer:homophones,words that sound the same, but have different spellings

      words that sound the same, but have different spellings

      Correct Answer:pronunciation,the way a word or language is spoken

      the way a word or language is spoken

      Q3.
      What word class is the word 'row' in this sentence? My brother and I had a row over something petty.

      adjective
      verb
      Correct answer: noun
      adverb

      Q4.
      Choose the correct spelling for the word in bold. She told me a lye to protect my feelings.

      Correct answer: lie
      ly
      ligh
      li

      Q5.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in this sentence: Make sure you cloze the door behind you.

      Correct Answer: close

      Q6.
      In which two ways does the 'pyramid strategy' help?

      Correct answer: It makes us pay close attention to the spelling by looking at each letter.
      It makes us chunk the word into syllables.
      Correct answer: It helps us remember the spelling by repeat copying.
      Writing from memory helps to reinforce the spelling.

      To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Practise and apply spelling homonyms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...