5 - Suffixes and word endings
If your students or your class make errors at the end of words or at word boundaries, you can refer to the following materials for understanding and practicing final consonant devoicing:
Module 5 - Suffixes and word endings
Materials 5 - Suffixes and word endings
Possible causes
The system was not properly understood - in this case, it would be advantageous to review the sound and letter inventory.
The strategies have not been practiced enough - addressing this can be achieved through rule explanations and consistent practice.
There was a lack of attention - to increase attention, we recommend exercises from the "AWAKE" program: https://learn.awakeproject.eu
Typical errors in this category
Suffixes & Endings errors are also counted in other categories!
Missing consonant at the end of the word
slippin (slipping) = 1 error (suffixes & endings)
Wrong consonant or wrong vowel in the ending
droppt (dropped) = 1 error (suffixes & endings) + 1 error (consonants) + 1 error (vowels)
babys (babies) = 1 error (suffixes & endings) + 1 error (alternative vowels)
Errors at the syllable boundary
carful (careful) = 1 error (suffixes & endings) + 1 error (vowels)
carefuly (carefully) = 1 error (suffixes & endings) + 1 error (double consonants)
Didactical information
The phenomenon of word endings and suffixes in English is often encapsulated in a title that succinctly conveys the rules: "Double - Drop - Swop." All three of these aspects pertain to the letters at the boundaries between words and their suffixes.
This can be broken down as follows:
Doubled: In instances where a letter is duplicated, such as in "map" becoming "mapping" or "big" becoming "bigger"...
Dropped: This pertains to the removal of the "e" at the end of the reduction syllable, as seen in transformations like "bake" to "baking" or "love" to "loving."
Swapped: This concerns the "y" at the end of the word, fly → flies, baby → babies
Furthermore, it's important to reinforce the concept of systematic and diligent practice when it comes to mastering the use of suffixes and endings in word formation. These skills will serve as valuable tools in their language repertoire.
The exercise series provided by SYSPELL, available for download, offers a structured approach to honing these skills. The exercises are thoughtfully designed to progress from simpler concepts to more complex ones, ensuring that students gradually build their proficiency in handling suffixes and endings.
Additionally, the instructions for each exercise are clear and easy for students to understand independently, promoting self-guided learning.
In your role as an educator, please convey the significance of careful and attentive work to your students. Neat and legible handwriting not only enhances their assignments' presentation but also cultivates their self-assessment abilities, which are essential for their academic and personal growth.
We appreciate your dedication to providing a supportive and enriching learning experience for your students, and we hope that this guidance proves valuable as they embark on their language journey.