Word study: possible to question

1 · Learn

Work on one or two words at a time, then come back on another day. Say a word with an adult, explain its meaning and notice its tricky letters. Look, cover, write, uncover and check. A copied word is a useful start; remembering it later and using it correctly are the next steps.

possible: able to happen or be done. Possible has double s and ends ible, not able. Read: 'It is possible to solve the puzzle in two ways.'

potatoes: more than one potato. Add es to potato to make potatoes. Read: 'The cook put three potatoes in the basket.'

pressure: a force pressing on something in this sentence. Pressure has double s and ends ure; compare press. Read: 'Too much pressure from the pencil tore the paper.'

probably: very likely, though not certain. Probably keeps both b letters and ends ably. Read: 'The dark clouds mean it will probably rain.'

promise: to say firmly that you will do something. Promise has one m and one s, followed by final e. Read: 'I promise to return the borrowed ruler.'

purpose: the reason something is done or made. Purpose has ur after the first p and ends ose. Read: 'The purpose of the label is to identify the sample.'

quarter: one of four equal parts. Quarter begins qu and ends er. Read: 'We shaded one quarter of the square.'

question: words asking for information or an answer. Question starts qu and ends stion. Read: 'Her question asked how the bridge stayed upright.'

2 · Worked example

Study possible. I say what it means: able to happen or be done. I notice the spelling: Possible has double s and ends ible, not able. I cover the model, write the word, then compare every letter. If a letter is wrong, I correct that part and try again later, rather than copying it many times without thinking.

3 · Your turn

Cover the word list. Write the word meaning 'more than one potato'. Uncover and check it. Now write a different sentence using potatoes; explain to an adult how your sentence shows its meaning.

4 · Apply your learning

Choose two words you found difficult. Ask an adult to read the model sentences aloud, discuss unfamiliar meanings, then dictate one sentence without showing it. Check the spelling and punctuation together. Revisit those words tomorrow and later in the week; record the words you still need to practise on paper or the pad.