The Suffix '-ous' - PowerPoint

An engaging set of resources for Year 3 and 4 students focuses on understanding and using the suffix '-ous'. The objective is to teach students how to spell words with this suffix, which is added to the end of a root word to change its meaning, typically converting nouns or verbs into adjectives that suggest being 'full of' something. For example, 'poison' becomes 'poisonous', indicating something is full of poison. The teaching material delves into how to add '-ous' to various root words, turning 'danger' into 'dangerous' and 'joy' into 'joyous', demonstrating the transformation of meaning.

However, the addition of '-ous' is not always straightforward, and the resources highlight exceptions to the basic rule. Words ending in 'y', 'e', or 'our' require special attention, such as changing 'y' to 'i' before adding 'ous', removing the 'e', or dropping the 'u', respectively. This results in words like 'envious', 'ridiculous', and 'glamorous'. Worksheets are provided for practice, where students apply these rules, and example sentences demonstrate the words in context. The lesson concludes with a light-hearted 'Joke Corner', reinforcing the learning with humour.