Understanding and Using Word Beginnings

Great job! You have decided to practice for your SPAG spelling test. 

In this activity, you will practice how to use a variety of word beginnings accurately.

The beginning of a word can also be called a prefix.

In the SPAG Spelling test, you will be expected to be able to correctly spell a range of words with different beginnings.

These beginnings are:

• co-
• re-
• bi-
• aqua-
• fore-
• anti-

During the test, when you are asked to spell a word you don't know, there are a number of tricks you can use to help you have a go...

1. Split the word up into syllables.

For example:

Nonsense = Non/sense

Coincidence = Co/in/ci/dence

2. Look, Cover, Write and Check

This was probably one of the first tricks you learned when beginning to spell.

Have a look at the word shoulder, use these top tips below to help you learn to spell this word correctly.

Look at the shape of the word, notice which letters are taller and which ones are shorter.

Say the word aloud, what sounds can you hear? Repeat the word a few times so you can really hear each sound clearly.

Cover up the word. You can put your hand over the top of the word, or simply close your eyes.

Now you can see the word in your mind. Maybe you can write it in the air using your favourite colour?

Open your eyes to check. Have you spelt it correctly?

In the spelling part of your SPAG test, your teacher will read aloud 20 different words for you to write down. 

The 20 words will fit into sentences on your test paper, with a gap for the spelling.

We would advise that you print your letters for this test so the marker can easily read your answer.

Over to you now to practice using some of the spellings that may pop up!