Our focus words for this week are addition, and subtraction.

Now that we are back int the swing of the new academic year, I thought that we could have a look at the morphology of some maths words.

Let’s look at the morphemes (building blocks) in each word.

                                               

We can extend our knowledge of these morphemes by identifying them in other words.  How do these morphemes help us to understand each word?

Can you think of other words containing each of these morphemes?    I’ve done one in each group for you.  https://membean.com/roots will help you find words, if you are stuck.

Write a word sum for each of the words you have created using the prefixes, root words and suffixes.  E.g. sub + tract + ion = subtraction

To use this as a spelling strategy each day of the week, see the weekly plan below. 

How to use Pick and Mix each day for a week.

For more word explorations, click here.

It is not important for children to memorise what each morpheme means, but the more they are aware of the different meanings, the easier it will be to get spelling right and understand mor fully what a word means.  Morphology is a tool and not a memory exercise.

Prefixes used in week one:

Useful Tools for understanding and using the morphology of words.

Membean – https://membean.com/roots

Phonicsandstuff – https://phonicsandstuff.com/ Embracing Literacy – https://www.facebook.com/embracing.literacy/

Morphing Around – Understanding how words work

Our focus root words for this week are holiday and vacation.

Our holidays are over, and it is back to school for a new school year.  Another word for a holiday is a vacation.  It is often used in America, as well as other countries. Both the words holiday and vacation are built from morpheme building blocks (units of meaning).

Let’s look at the morphemes (building blocks) in each word.

holi + day = holiday                       holi – holy;   day – day

vac + ate + ion = vacation            vac = empty; ate = possess a certain quality; ion = act or state

So, a vacation is the state of something being empty.  (empty of work/school)

holi means holy.  It was first used in the 1500s.  Over the years the y has been changed to an i because something is going to be added to it.  People only had extra rest days on holy days such as Sundays, Christmas, and Easter.  Over the years the two words merged into one and became holiday.

The word vacation also means holiday but is used more in America. 

Now let’s try to build some words connected to holiday and vacation. You will not be able to use every prefix or suffix with every root.

Write a word sum for each of the words you have created using the prefixes, root words and suffixes.  E.g. e + vac + u + at + ion = evacuation

To use this as a spelling strategy each day of the week, see the weekly plan. 

How to use Pick and Mix each day for a week.

Here are some words that can be created from this matrix. It is important that the children make sure that they are not creating new words and know how to use them in context.

holiday                    holidays                    holidayed             holidaying                  preholiday                postholiday  (or post-holiday) vacate                     vacation                    vacating                      vacated              prevacation               postvacation              evacuate                 evacuation               evacuating                  evacuated locate                     location                     locating                       located                      relocate                 relocation                  relocating                   relocated

For more word explorations, click here

We have a new printable poster with QR code links for upcoming Professional Learning sessions which schools can print for the staff room/notice board. https://highlandliteracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/PL-termly-poster-2-1.pdf

The first round of Read Write Count resources for this year are now available on the website, including:

• Teacher packs for Primary 2 and Primary 3 (teacher letter, cross curricular activities, printable activity sheets)
• Library packs for Primary 2 and 3 (ideas for sessions, activities/crafts, printable activity sheets)
• Webinars on Making the most of the P2 bag and Making the most of the P3 bag
• A page for families at home with 50 ideas for their bags, plus some activity sheets

An article on Top tips for sharing picture books at home

Unleash the magic of books and reading by joining our Reading Schools community!

Research proves that reading for pleasure supports equity and wellbeing, impacts learners’ attainment, and encourages critical thinking, creativity, empathy and resilience.

Reading Schools is an accreditation programme for schools that are committing to building a reading culture for their learners and communities.

Through Reading Schools, you can access practical resources and friendly support to help build your reading culture and connect with hundreds of schools across Scotland who have already seen transformational changes to their settings, staff and learners.

There are now 90 schools in Highland at some stage of their accreditation journey with over 600 schools accredited across Scotland.

Reading Schools is open to all schools in Scotland!

Visit our website to find out more about starting your accreditation.

You can also contact your Scottish Book Trust Regional Outreach Co-ordinator for more information and support at jen.grainge@scottishbooktrust.com

Scottish Book Trust,Sandeman House, Trunk’s Close, 55 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR, Scottish charity, SC027669 

Support pre-literacy with Bookbug

Join our early years experts for our upcoming online workshop, Before reading begins: the six skills that grow readers on 1 September, 4.30–6pm. In this practical, evidence-informed workshop, we’ll explore the six key pre-literacy skills that lay the foundations for reading – alongside picture books that support each skill, with practical ideas for using them. Designed for anyone working in the early years, and parents, this session will connect research with real life. Book tickets for three or more of our webinars or workshops and you save 20%!

Libraries For Primaries

Applications are open for support from the National Literacy Trust’s UK-wide ‘Libraries For Primaries’ programme. They can provide training, resources, books and furniture to schools that don’t yet have a school library. This is ideal for any settings working towards embedding a culture of reading for enjoyment. To apply for the 2026/2027 programme, click below.

Emerging literacy refers to the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that children develop about reading, writing, communication, and language before they become conventional readers and writers. These early experiences form the foundation for later literacy development and include activities such as listening to stories, exploring books, engaging in conversations, drawing, mark-making, and developing phonological awareness.

It is important to support emerging literacy skills in a developmentally appropriate way, recognising that children learn at different rates and through a variety of meaningful, and play-based experiences. Effective practice builds on children’s interests, strengths, and cultural backgrounds while providing rich opportunities for communication, language development, and early literacy exploration. When literacy experiences are aligned with children’s developmental stages, they promote confidence, motivation, and a lifelong love of reading and learning. Conversely, introducing formal literacy expectations too early can create frustration and reduce engagement. A developmentally appropriate approach ensures that literacy learning is enjoyable, inclusive, and responsive to each child’s individual needs.

If you would like to explore this further, or refresh your knowledge on Emerging Literacy, take a look at the information and resources on https://highlandliteracy.com/emerging-literacy/  or join us in the sessions listed below, where we will learn from experts and share ideas, resources and activities. 

Mon 14 Sept 2026 (In-service Day) 9:30 to 15:30 (Venue to be announced)

This whole day session is to train those who have not had training in Emerging Literacy or those wishing to take a lead on regional support networks in Emerging Literacy.

The following sessions will be online and will cover the main areas of Emerging Literacy.

1. Phonological Awareness 26/08/26

2. Oral Language                      30/09/26

3. Concepts of Print                11/11/26

4. Pencil Control                        02/12/26

Sign up through our CPD portal or contact jenny.wilson@highland.gov.uk

Information to pass on to schools

• We have a ‘What is Read Write Count with the First Minister’ live webinar on Wednesday 15 June 4-4.45pm – an introductory session. You can register .

• Our online resources and pre-recorded webinars on ‘Making the Most of your P2 and P3 bags’ and Gifting your Read Write Count bags’ will be available from August 2026. Resources include mind maps, worksheets and read along videos. If your school would like support from Scottish Book Trust via online or in person PL sessions, please get in touch at readwritecount@scottishbooktrust.com

• Bags will be delivered to your school between August and October 2026. Please count your bags immediately once they arrive and get in touch with your lead contact (Jenny.wilson@highland.gov.uk)  in case you require any extras. We hope that you will gift them to families during Reading Schools Week, 16 – 20 November 2026.

All our contact information and related resources are online at https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/reading-and-stories/read-write-count

Reading Schools Week returns

Have you heard the news? Reading Schools Week is back with a fresh new date!   Following the success of our first Reading Schools Week in February, we’re excited to invite your school to register for the next Reading Schools Week, taking place 16–20 November 2026!   You may be aware that Book Week Scotland, Scottish Book Trust’s annual celebration of books and reading previously took place in November. This is moving to 14–20 June 2027.    Bookbug Primary 1 Family Bag gifting and Primary 2 and 3 Read Write Count with the First Minister bag gifting will continue to take place in November, during Reading Schools Week.   Reading Schools Week is open to every school in Scotland. Register now to take part!