Standard: 3.L.2e – Use conventional spelling for high-frequency and other studied words and for adding suffixes to base words (e.g., sitting, smiled, cries, happiness).
Grade level: Grade 3
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Language
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on students using conventional spelling for high-frequency and other studied words, as well as correctly adding suffixes to base words. Mastery of this standard is important as it lays the foundation for accurate and fluent writing, which is crucial for effective communication. Students should have a basic understanding of phonics, including the sounds of letters and common letter combinations, as well as familiarity with high-frequency words.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to spell more complex words and use a wider range of suffixes in their writing, improving their overall writing fluency and accuracy.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that all words ending in ‘y’ change to ‘ies’ when adding a suffix. This is incorrect because the rule applies only to certain words, and students need to learn the specific conditions under which ‘y’ changes to ‘i’.
Intervention 1
An evidence-based intervention is to teach the specific rules for changing ‘y’ to ‘i’ before adding a suffix and provide ample practice with words that follow and do not follow this rule.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that all suffixes are added in the same way regardless of the base word. This is incorrect as different suffixes have different rules for attachment.
Intervention 2
Provide explicit instruction on the different rules for adding suffixes, such as dropping the ‘e’ before adding ‘ing’ or ‘ed’, and offer varied practice opportunities.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of phonics, including the sounds of letters and common letter combinations, as well as familiarity with high-frequency words.
Subsequent Knowledge
Students will develop the ability to spell more complex words and use a wider range of suffixes in their writing. They will also improve their overall writing fluency and accuracy.
Instructional Activities
- Spelling bees focusing on high-frequency words and words with suffixes
- Word sorting activities to categorize words by their suffix rules
- Writing exercises where students practice adding suffixes to base words
- Interactive games that reinforce spelling rules
- Peer review sessions where students check each other’s spelling
