Sesotho Home Language - Term 4 - Week 6

Phonics is the relationship between sounds and their spellings. In this lesson, we will focus on how different sounds can be combined to form words. For example, the sound /sh/ can be found in words like 'sheep' and 'shout'. We will also explore how adding prefixes (like 'un-') and suffixes (like '-ing') can change the meaning of a word. Understanding these concepts will help you read and write more effectively.

Let’s take the root word 'play'. By adding the suffix '-ing', we create the word 'playing'. If we add the prefix 're-', we get 'replay'. Notice how the meaning changes with each addition. 'Playing' refers to the action of engaging in play, while 'replay' means to play again. This shows how prefixes and suffixes can modify the base meaning of a word.

Now, let’s work together to build words. I will say a root word, and you will help me add a prefix or suffix. For example, if I say 'happy', what happens if we add '-ness'? Yes, we get 'happiness'. Let’s try another one: the word 'care'. What can we add to it? (Students may respond with 'careful' or 'careless'). Great job! Remember to think about how the meaning changes with each addition.

For your independent practice, I want you to write five sentences using the words we built together. Make sure to use correct punctuation and spacing. For example, if you used the word 'playing', you could write, 'I am playing soccer with my friends.' After you finish, read your sentences to a partner and check for any mistakes in punctuation or spacing.

• happy
• un
• ness

Answer: happy

The root word is 'happy', while 'un-' is a prefix and '-ness' is a suffix.

• re-
• -ing
• un-

Answer: -ing

A suffix is added to the end of a word, while prefixes are added to the beginning.

Answer: disagree

The prefix 'dis-' means not, and 'disagree' means not to agree.

• full of
• without
• not

Answer: full of

The suffix '-ful' indicates that something is full of a certain quality.

Answer: I am playing outside.

This sentence uses the word 'playing' correctly in context.

• happiness
• unhappy
• happily

Answer: unhappy

The prefix 'un-' changes 'happy' to mean not happy.

Answer: To clarify meaning and indicate pauses.

Punctuation helps readers understand the structure and meaning of sentences.

• I like ice cream
• I like ice cream.
• I like ice cream!

Answer: I like ice cream.

This sentence is correct as it ends with a period, indicating a complete thought.