Spelling patterns and the -y rule | Year 4 English PDF Download

Using Spelling Rules

• It can be challenging to learn how to spell, but certain words follow specific spelling rules. Remembering these rules can assist you in spelling correctly.
• A suffix is a letter or group of letters that is added to the end of a word, altering the word's meaning.
• One helpful rule is the '-y' rule, particularly when adding suffixes to words ending in '-y'.
• When a word ends in '-y' and a suffix needs to be added, the 'y' is changed to 'i' before adding the suffix.
• Subsequently, a suffix like '-est', '-ed', or '-er' can be added to the word.
• For instance:
  • sunny = sunniest
  • carry = carrier
  • cry = cried 

How can you practise new spellings?

One effective way to learn and practice new spellings is by using the 'Look, Say, Cover, Write Down, Check' technique.
This method involves the following steps:

• Look
  • Say the word out loud.
  • Verbalize the word to reinforce your memory and pronunciation.
• Say
  • Cover the word up so you cannot see it.
  • Hide the word from view to test your ability to recall it from memory.
• Cover
  • Write down the word the way you remember it.
  • Attempt to write the word from memory, focusing on correct spelling.
• Write down
  • Check to see if you have spelled it correctly.
  • Review the word and compare it to the correct spelling. If incorrect, learn the proper spelling and repeat the process.
• Check
  • This technique can be particularly useful for students struggling with spelling. Let's illustrate this with an example:

Examples

Imagine a student trying to learn the word "necessary." By following the 'Look, Say, Cover, Write Down, Check' method:

• Look at the word: They examine the word "necessary" closely.
• Say the word out loud: They pronounce "necessary" to reinforce its sound.
• Cover the word: They hide the word to test their memory.
• Write down the word: They attempt to write "necessary" as they remember it.
• Check: They compare their spelling with the correct one and make corrections if needed.

By repeating this process, students can improve their spelling skills through consistent practice and reinforcement.