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Spelling and morphology

EnglishGrade 3LiteracyFree

Connect base words and suffixes, then explain the spelling change

What it is about

Explain studied spelling choices by comparing base words, suffixes and the letters that are kept, removed, changed or doubled.

Grade 3 · 8–9 years · 30 challenges

Before you begin

  • Grade2 text questions, decoding, linked reasons and organized event accounts.

What the class will do

  1. Match pairs · 8 challenges

    Build a studied form

    Read each base and suffix. Match it to the correctly spelled word; compare every letter.

  2. Choose and explain · 8 challenges

    Explain a spelling

    Choose a studied spelling or the reason for its changed letters. Check the base as well as the suffix.

  3. Sort into groups · 6 challenges

    Find the actual change

    Each card supplies a correct transformation. Group it by the stated spelling change or rule; explain before placing.

  4. Choose and explain · 8 challenges

    Repair and transfer

    Use the base, suffix and context to diagnose a misspelling or choose a justified spelling strategy.

Using it in class

Everyone predicts the spelling before the representative acts, then explains the base and suffix. The bank checks recognition and reasoning; it does not score independent writing. Optional paper spelling is an extension. Use a short round or block; full-bank estimate: 30–45 minutes.

Give everyone time to think and discuss before one pupil acts at the board. The class explains and confirms together; hints and explanations stay until you move on.

Use an up-to-date browser on a computer connected to a whiteboard or shared display. Touch, mouse and keyboard; optional audio and reduced motion. No pupil accounts or personal devices.

Choose from 5 challenges up to the full activity. Discussion determines the duration: you set the pace.

A look inside the activities

Match pairs

Compare similar bases carefully. Match each base plus suffix to its spelling.

  • hop + ing
  • hope + ing
  • help + ing

Match with:

  • hopping
  • hoping
  • helping
Explanation and discussion

Hop doubles p in hopping. Hope drops final e in hoping. Help simply adds -ing. Similar letters do not make the rules identical.

Which pair would be confused by ignoring the final e?

Choose and explain

Which spelling correctly adds -ing to make?

  • making
  • makeing
  • makking
Explanation and discussion

The studied form making drops make’s final e before -ing. It does not keep e or double k.

Which letters from make remain visible?

Sort into groups

Group each correct -ing transformation by the actual letter change.

  • hope → hoping
  • help → helping
  • hop → hopping
  • walk → walking
  • make → making
  • run → running

Groups: Drop final e · Double final consonant · Keep the base unchanged

Explanation and discussion

Help and walk stay unchanged; hope and make lose e; hop and run double their final consonants. All six forms then add the same -ing.

Why can the same suffix lead to three different changes?