Spelling

We follow the Grammarsaurus Place Value of Spelling approach to ensure children learn how words are built — not just memorised! Children begin this approach once the majority of the class are phase 5 secure in their phonics lessons and they have secured appropraite letter formation.
We focus on etymology and morphology in spelling, which means understanding where words come from and how words are made up of smaller parts called morphemes, such as:
•    Base – the core part of a word that carries meaning (e.g. help, move, play)
•    Affix – a morpheme that is either a prefix or a suffix
•    Prefix – a part added before the base to change its meaning (e.g. un-, re-, mis-)
•    Suffix – a part added after the base to change its form or meaning (e.g. -ed, -ing, -ful, -ness)
•    Stem – a word part that includes a base and may also contain other morphemes (e.g. lovely, dangerous, laziness)

What is learning like for the children?

They will

•    Building words using bases, stems and affixes
•    Learning the etymology of words – understanding their origins, historical roots, and language journey
•    Exploring how morphemes change the meaning of words
•    Using word matrices to see how one base can create many new words. A word matrix is a chart that shows how one base can grow into many new words using different prefixes and suffixes. It helps children see spelling patterns and deepens their understanding of word meanings
•    Writing word sums (e.g. runn      ing = running, help      ful = helpful, drive     er =  driver) 
•    Directly applying new spelling knowledge in their writing units
•    Learning four key spelling rules for adding suffixes:
                           1.    Double the final consonant letter when a word ends in a CVC pattern, then add the vowel suffix.
                           2.    Drop the final silent e vowel letter, then add the vowel suffix.
                           3.    Change the final letter y after a consonant letter to i, then add the suffix (except -ing).
                           4.    Just add the suffix.
 

Why morphology matters
Learning about morphemes helps children:

•    Improve their spelling by recognising patterns not just sounds – for example, learning that the suffix -ed is the correct way to spell past tense verbs helps avoid mistakes like ‘checkt’ or ‘needid’
•    Understand word meanings
Knowing the meaning of a base (like ‘move’) helps children make sense of related words like ‘remove’, ‘mover’, or ‘movement’
•    Expand their vocabulary and improve reading comprehension more easily
As they begin to recognise familiar word parts, they can make sense of new words on their own, supporting reading and learning

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