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      Investigating homophones

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can spell homophones and revise previously taught homophones.

      Key learning points

      1. Words that are pronounced the same but have different spellings and meanings are called homophones.
      2. Unlike other words we have investigated, there are no patterns for homophones.
      3. The way a word is spelt and its place within a sentence will tell us its meaning.
      4. How to spell the curriculum words: straight, caught and possess.

      Keywords

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

      Common misconception

      Homophones sound the same, so they may rely on previous spelling rules and so, spell them the same.

      Spend time showing each word in a sentence, use images to support understanding and make sure each homophone is practised using a strategy.

      Teacher tip

      Make learning homophones fun by using a variety of creative strategies. Link the words with others e.g. Hear with your ears. Here is a place - like there and where. Look for small words in a word e.g. there's a pie in piece. A piece of pie.

      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:homonym,words that sound or are spelt the same
      Correct Answer:homophone,words that sound the same but have different spellings

      Q2.
      Choose the correct spelling to complete the following sentence. I tied a __________ in my shoes laces.

      not
      Correct answer: knot

      Q3.
      Match the homophones.

      Correct Answer:great,grate
      Correct Answer:hair,hare
      Correct Answer:wait,weight
      Correct Answer:our,hour
      Correct Answer:ball,bawl

      Q4.
      Choose the correct spelling for the word in bold. Make sure you bough when you meet them.

      Correct answer: bow
      bou
      bowe
      bau

      Q5.
      Choose the correct spelling for the word in bold. I shot the arrow from my boa.

      Correct answer: bow
      bo
      bowe

      Q6.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence. I enjoyed myself at the Christmas fare.

      Correct Answer: fair

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Select the pair of homophones.

      Correct answer: medal
      medallion
      metal
      Correct answer: meddle

      Q2.
      Match the homophones.

      Correct Answer:beach,beech
      Correct Answer:heal,he'll
      Correct Answer:piece,peace

      Q3.
      Choose the correct spelling for the word in bold. My keys are over ther.

      their
      Correct answer: there
      they're

      Q4.
      Choose the correct spelling for the word in bold. The river's curant was very strong.

      Correct answer: current
      currant
      currint
      curent

      Q5.
      Choose the correct spelling to complete the following sentence. I picked a __________ from the bush.

      Correct answer: berry
      bury
      beret
      berree

      Q6.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence. She confidently cort the ball.

      Correct Answer: caught

      To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Investigating homophones, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...