Creating adjectives using the suffixes -ful and -less
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can spell adjectives using the suffixes -ful and -less.
Key learning points
- The suffixes -less and -ful create adjectives.
- The suffix -ful means ‘full of’ or ‘having qualities of’ and the suffix -less means ‘without’ or ‘lacking’.
- The suffixes start with a consonant. This means the root word usually doesn’t change when the suffix is added.
- If the root word ends in a consonant +y, then the ‘y’ is replaced by ‘i’ before the suffix.
- How to spell the curriculum words: awkward, bruise, regular and therefore.
Keywords
Root word - the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
Suffix - a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning
Adjective - describes a noun
Common misconception
Pupils may think the suffix is spelt with a double 'l' like the word 'full'.
Explicitly point out the difference between the spelling of 'full' and the suffix 'ful'.
Teacher tip
Model applying unfamiliar words in simple sentences to expose pupils to the meaning. They may be unfamiliar with words such as 'merciless', 'penniless' and 'thankless'.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What word class is the word in bold in this sentence? Chen was very joyful that day.
Q2.Match the word to the suffix it contains.
Q3.Match the word to the word class. The suffixes will help you.
Q4.What word class is the word in bold in this sentence. A global citizen cares about making the world a better place.
Q5.What word class is the word in bold in this sentence. The personal message helped me to feel at ease.
Q6.What happens to the root word 'history' when the suffix -ic is added?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Identify all the words containing the suffix -ful.
Q2.Identify all the words containing the suffix -less.
Q3.What word class is the word 'stressful' in this sentence? I had a stressful time at the concert.
Q4.Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. They are byootifull flowers.
Q5.Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. The mersyles villain locked them in the dungeon.
Q6.Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. That was a suxsesfull attempt to solve the problem.
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Creating adjectives using the suffixes -ful and -less, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Creating adjectives using the suffixes -ful and -less, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Verb, adjective and noun suffixes unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.