Mastering '-tion' and '-ssion' Suffixes
Year 5 & 6 English Spelling Rules and Patterns 30-minute lesson
WALT: We Are Learning To...
Identify words ending in '-tion' and '-ssion' Understand the spelling rules for these suffixes Apply these patterns to spell new words correctly Use visual and auditory strategies to remember the rules
Success Criteria - I Can...
✓ Spot the difference between '-tion' and '-ssion' endings ✓ Remember at least 5 words with each suffix ✓ Use the spelling rules to write new words ✓ Explain the pattern to a friend
The Two Suffix Families
{"left":"Words ending in '-tion'\naction, station, nation, creation, vacation","right":"Words ending in '-ssion'\nmission, session, discussion, expression, impression"}
Sound Detective Activity
Listen to each word Decide: '-tion' or '-ssion'? Hold up your choice card Words: attention, permission, invention, confession, celebration
The Spelling Rules (Memory Tricks)
'-tion' sounds like 'shun' (shorter sound) '-ssion' sounds like 'shon' (longer hissing sound) Listen for the 's' hiss in '-ssion' words Most action words use '-tion'
Quick Check: Which Rule?
Look at these word beginnings: discuss + ion = ? create + ion = ? Think about the sounds and patterns we've learned!
Extension Challenge & Practice
Beginner: Sort 10 words into '-tion' and '-ssion' groups Intermediate: Complete the missing endings in sentences Advanced: Create your own sentences using both suffixes Super Challenge: Find the root words and explain the changes