Word Study — Homophones

Homophones are English's spelling traps. There/their/they're. To/too/two. Its/it's. The ear fails; the pen must know. Indirect aim: spelling discipline, preparation for formal writing, meta-linguistic awareness.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Word Study
• Level: Ages 7-9

Objectives

• Identify homophones: same sound, different spelling and meaning (there/their/they're)
• Spell correctly in context
• Distinguish from homographs (same spelling, different meaning)
• Apply in writing

Materials

• Homophone card pairs
• Sample sentences
• Writing samples with errors to fix
• Reference chart

Instructions

1. Present: there / their / they're. 2. Define each. 3. Write in context: 'Over THERE. THEIR house. THEY'RE here.' 4. Repeat with to/too/two, its/it's. 5. Find errors in sample text. 6. Fix. 7. Study more: piece/peace, bear/bare. 8. File chart.

Educator tip

Homophones are where spelling reveals meaning. Teach meaning first, then spelling.

Assessment

Observe correct choice in context and self-correction.

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• Alliteration and Assonance
• Reading Comprehension Strategies — SQ3R
• Book Report — Structured Analysis
• Punctuation Master Class
• Verb Tenses — Past, Present, Future
• Writing Dialogue
• Idiomatic Expressions