Page 30 - Enjoying Words (EW) Comprehension & literature

STRANGE PLURALS – IRREGULAR PLURAL NOUNS

Truth to Teach (Source)

 To study more singular and plural nouns with words ending in ‘f’, ‘fe’ and ‘o’.

 To study irregular plural nouns

Way to Work (Means)

1. Review previous lessons on singular and plural nouns.

2. Ask the children if they are finding the singular and plural nouns complicated
to learn. Ask them to imagine what it must be like to learn English as a second
language which many people do. Stress the importance of knowing our own

first language really well. Remind them of the importance of correct words and
correct spellings to serve the reader of their work.

3. Put various irregular plural words on the board and ask the children to give the
singular, e.g.

women, people, mice, deer, sheep, feet, geese, children, men

4. Ask the children to spell the plural of these singular words: -
tomato, potato, hero, domino

Establish that these words need ‘es’ adding to make the plural.

5. Ask them to spell the plural of these words: -

half, calf, loaf, wolf, knife, wife, life, thief

Establish that the ‘f’ or ‘fe’ has to be removed then ‘ves’ added to the word.

6. Let the children complete the worksheet. The spelling of these words could be
reinforced through weekly spelling lists.

Learning for Life (Fulfilment)

1. The children should be better equipped to spell a range of singular and plural
nouns recognising the various rules guiding their spelling.

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