Word Parts as Clues
Use knowledge of common inflections and affixes (-ed, -s, un-, -er) as clues to the meaning of unknown words; understand how the prefix un- changes meaning
What a learner can do afterwards
- Recognise that -ed signals past tense (e.g. 'jumped' = already happened)
- Explain how un- makes a word mean the opposite (e.g. 'unhappy' = not happy)
- Use word parts to figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word
The lesson
Words have parts. Each part gives a clue. A part at the start or end can change the meaning.
Try it together
Mia read the word played. She saw -ed at the end. She knew it already happened.
Good to know
When you see a new word, look at its start and end. Word parts can help you guess the meaning.
Word parts like -ed and un- give clues to a word's meaning.
Watch it
Where it sits
Learn first
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
Then practise
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.