Suffix Lesson Plans

Eighth graders identify suffixes in unfamiliar words. They identify vocabulary words as nouns or adjectives using context clues and suffixes. They review the definition of a prefix, along with examples of prefixes and explain the distinction between prefixes and suffixes.

Identify common prefixes and suffixes used in the English language and categorize the different kinds of information provided in a dictionary entry. Learners will write at least five pieces of information that they learn about a word from the dictionary. In addition, they will use prefix and suffix cards to create words.

First graders explore language arts by participating in a word construction lesson. In this prefix and suffix lesson, 1st graders identify core words which have neither a prefix or suffix and utilize flash cards to mix and match words until they make a connection. Students read the story No More Monsters for Me and identify the different word structures they read.

Examine how scientists use prefixes and suffixes to name dinosaurs. Using a list of prefixes and suffixes, learners will name an imaginary dinosaur, explore dinosaur websites, create a drawing of their dinosaur, and write a story describing the life of their made-up dinosaur. This lesson ties in technology by using computers for the story.

Practice adding prefixes and suffixes to root words. Young writers discuss the meanings of root word, suffix, and prefix, and work on creating new words by thinking of words as things that can grow, like a tree.  They create a tree picture that shows how prefixes and suffixes make root words "grow."

Readers work in small groups with a big book to find suffixes. They will identify suffixes like ing, ed, and s in each book.  Then they record lessons and turn in sheet for assessment at an individual station. The assessment will show that they can isolate the root word.

Eighth graders examine vowel digraphs with two sounds and the suffixes -ful and -less. They read a list of words that contain vowel digraphs with two pronunciations and generate words to add to each list. Students then add suffixes to a class chart and read a story that contains words missing the suffixes -less and -ness, completing the words with the corrected versions.

Seventh graders examine words with Latin suffixes and discuss point of view and foreshadowing. They listen to the teacher dictate a list of words and identify the suffix, and read and discuss an informational handout on point of view and foreshadowing.

Ninth graders examine prefixes, suffixes, and roots with Greek and Latin origins. They create a class vocabulary tree, writing roots on the bottom of the tree, and words and definitions related to the root on the branches of the tree. Students also write sentences using the words from the tree.

Fourth graders complete a worksheet. In this grammar instructional activity, 4th graders list words that end in a silent e and then work in pairs to identify which words they can add a suffix to. Students complete a worksheet where they add suffixes to words ending in a silent e.