English·Spelling & Word Study·procedural
The Prefix un-
Spell words using the prefix un- to change meaning; understand that un- creates opposites or reverses actions
Suggested ages 5–6
Learning journey
Your child is learning to spell by connecting sounds to letters — building simple words, adding common endings like -ing and -ed, and memorising important words that don't follow regular spelling patterns.
Evidence of understanding
- Spell words with un- prefix correctly (e.g. 'unhappy', 'unfair', 'undo')
- Explain how un- changes the meaning of a word
- Create new words by adding un- to known words
Assessment prompt
Does The Prefix un- know that adding "un-" to the front of a word like "happy" or "lock" flips its meaning, and can they spell those words correctly?
Standards alignment
Eng_App1_Y1_53GB · uk-nc-2013
Adding the prefix –un
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1
Eng_Y1_WT_07GB · uk-nc-2013
Add prefix un-
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key stage 1