MEANING OF WORDS

WITH AFFIXES

Teacher Guidelines ▶ pages 1 – 2

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Instructional Pages ▶ pages 3 – 4
Activity Page ▶ pages 5 – 6
Practice Page ▶ page 7
GRADE

Homework Page
Answer Key
▶
▶
page 8
pages 9 – 10
 Classroom Procedure:
1. Introduce the lesson by writing a sentence on the
board. For example, Ronald was sure the answer he
got in Math class was right. Ronald did not agree with
his teacher. Ask students if they know of a better
or shorter way to write the sentence. Write the
sentence, Ronald disagreed with his teacher. Dissect
the word [dis / agree / d] so that students can see
the prefix and suffix. Explain to students they will
learn how to change or find the meaning of a word
using prefixes or suffixes; affixes.
2. Distribute Pre and Suff content pages. Read aloud to
the class or have students read to the class. Review
the information with the students. Use the additional
resources to enhance understanding. Ask students how
Pre and Suf are alike. How are Pre and Suff different?
3. Distribute Prefixes, Suffixes, and Word Meaning content
pages. Review the information with the students. Point
to the chart and emphasize how many words can be
changed by using only eight prefixes or suffixes. Use
the additional resources to enhance understanding.
Ask students how prefixes and suffixes change word
meaning. What is a root or base word?
4. Place students in groups of two. Distribute scissors to
each student.
5. Distribute the Activity page. Read and review the
instructions. When all students have played the game,
check the list of words students created and scored for
the game. Some teachers have the students record their
answers on chart paper and use the student created
charts as classroom anchor charts.
6. Distribute the Practice page. Check and review the
students’ responses.
7. Distribute the Homework page. The next day, check and review the students’ responses.
8. In closing, ask students: How does knowledge of affixes (prefixes and suffixes) help us to become better
readers and writers? How can I determine word meaning using affixes (prefixes and suffixes)?
Approximate Grade Level: 3
Objectives: Students will idenfity root or base
words. Students will use common prefixes
and suffixes with the understanding how the
meaning of a word changes when prefixes or
suffixes are added to a word. Students will use
their knowledge of affixes to determine word
meaning.
State Educational Standards*
LB.ELA.LITERACY.L.3.4.B
LB.ELA.LITERACY.L.3.2.E
LB.ELA.LITERACY.RF.3.3.A
Class Sessions (45 minutes):
At least 2 class sessions.
Teaching Materials/Worksheets:
Pre and Suff, and Prefixes, Suffixes,and
Word Meaning content pages (2), Activity
pages (2), Practice page, Homework page
Student Supplies:
Handouts, scissors, pen, pencils,
highlighters, and paper.
Prepare Ahead of Time:
Copy handouts.
Options for Lesson: Students may work
alone or in groups for the Activity. An alternate
Activity is to have students cut out the prefix
and suffix cards. On the back of the cards, have
the students write the definition of the prefix or
suffix and a “P” or “S” to identify the word that
appears on the front of the card. Use the cards
in pairs as flash cards to review the meaning of
the prefix or suffix. Add other cards to the decks
as students become familiar with the prefix and
suffix words on the card.
*Lessons are aligned to meet the education objectives and goals of
most states. For more information on your state objectives, contact
your local Board of Education or Department of Education in your state.
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 Teacher Notes
The lesson introduces the concept of finding word meaning by use of affixes. The lesson requires students
to have a general knowledge of being able to dissect words separating the affixes from the root or base
word. Once the word is broken apart, students will learn how the affixes change the meaning. In the
Prefixes, Suffixes, and Word Meaning section are two tables. The first represents the most common
prefixes and suffixes used in the English language. It is recommended students practice these words so
that they are committed to memory and are able for quick recall when they encounter a word containing
the prefix or suffix from the chart.

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Pre and Suf Fix
Pre and Suf Fix were brother and sister. They were twins, even though they didn’t
look alike. Their mom’s name was Miss A Fix, and she loved both her children equally.
Unfortunately, like many brothers and sisters, Pre and Suf did not always get along with
each other. Pre and Suf were very competitive. Suf was always complaining to her mother
that Pre always comes first. “It just isn’t fair,” complained Suf. “Pre thinks because he is
always first that he is more important than I am.” Pre would tease his sister about always being last. “It’s
too bad you will never be first,” Pre told his sister. “I guess that means I will always be better than you!”

One day while at school, their teacher Mr. Rootword heard Pre teasing his sister about
being last. Mr. Rootword called Pre to the front of the class. “Pre, why do you tease your
sister about being last? Don’t you know that being first doesn’t always make you the
most important? There are a lot of words that come between the two of you,” said Mr.
Rootword. “I don’t understand what you mean,” said Pre. ‘What do the words that come
after me have to do with being first or last?”

Mr. Rootword explained, “The words that come after you and before Suf are base words.
Base words can stand on their own which you or Suf can’t.” Pre was very insulted
by Mr. Rootword implying he was not as important as base words. Mr. Rootword, not
wanting to hurt Pre’s feelings, explained, “Base words are the primary form of a word
and can stand alone. You and Suf both change the meaning of the base word, so you
are equally important. Sometimes you work together while other times only one of you
is part of the base word. Without a base word to lean on, you would fall down.” Pre was
not convinced. He still thought because he came first, he was the most important. So Mr.
Rootword decided he needed to teach Pre a lesson. Mr. Rootword called to the front of the room Suf. “Pre,
watch what happens when Suf stands behind the base word,” said Mr. Rootword. Mr. Rootword called the
base word cold up to the front of the class. Mr. Rootword told Suf to stand behind cold.
“Before Suf (er) stood next to cold, it was not very warm. With Suf, it is becoming
cold er
less warm, or colder,” explained Mr. Rootword. “Now Suf, change your form to est.”
Suf did exactly what Mr. Rootword asked her to do. “Now Pre, do you see what happened? It can’t get
any colder. It is now coldest! Suf changed the meaning of the base word from cold, colder, to coldest. She
didn’t need your help, only the base word,” said Mr. Rootword. “Go back to your seat cold est
cold, and let’s see what happens.” Cold returned to his seat, leaving Suf by herself.
“Pre, what does est mean?, asked Mr. Rootword. Pre knew immediately, it had no meaning without the
base word cold. Pre began to understand being first was not as important as he thought. Not only that,
without base words Pre and Suf had nothing do to. Pre and Suf change the meaning of base
est
words, but the base word could stand alone without their help.
From then on, Pre never teased his sister Suf about being last. Pre and Suf made friends with lots of base
words and many times, Pre and Suf worked together to change the meaning of the base word. Miss A Fix
from that point on never heard Pre and Suf argue about who was more important!

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Prefixes, Suffixes, and Word Meaning
A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a base or root word. A suffix is a word part added to
the end of a base or root word. The part of the word that stands alone is the base word. Sometimes a
base word is called a root word. Some words have a prefix, base word, and a suffix. For example, if you
attach the prefix ‘un’ to the base word ‘comfort’ and attach the suffix ‘able’ to the end, the new word is
uncomfortable.
These 4 prefixes and 4 suffixes Prefix Base Word Suffix Definition
in the list represent 97% of all
the prefixes and suffixes you use able uncomfortable
un comfortable
in school! There are many more means having Not having the ability
means means pleasant
prefixes and suffixes, but these the ability to to be pleasant or
not or enjoyable
are ones you use the most. do something enjoyable

Most Commonly Used Prefixes or Suffixes

Prefix Definition Suffix

dis The opposite of or not.
in, im, il, ir Not
re Again
un Not
The past tense of a verb. ed
The present tense of a verb. ing
A characteristic of. ly
More than one or plural form. s or es
Other Commonly Used Prefixes or Suffixes

refix Definition Suffix

de The opposite of.
inter Between
mis Wrongly
non Not
pre Before
Can be done. able or ible
Full of. ful
Without less
The condition of. ness or ance
The qualities of or comparison ous, er, est, or en
Result of an action. ment

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 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Instructions: Cut out the Base or Root Words, Prefix, and Suffix cards. With a partner, place a
prefix or suffix card in front or back of a base word to make a new word. Write new words on a
piece of paper. Use the score sheet to see who can make the most number of new words.

BASE OR ROOT WORDS

admire black hope un dis

help care swift

believe defend fasten

cure flat pack

re in or im
manage observe broke

speak teach use

agree active read

ed ing
behave school sale

appear move grow

cook lock wrap

ly s or es
paint dress test

tangle usual polite

healthy happy tie

action proud kind non pre

rude sweet correct

object shop patient

pay success obey able or ible less

wear work enter

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 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

joy wash hard

collect forget explore ful ness

imagine luck self

fry trace even

spell complete loose er or est mis

train golf play

reverse success patient

____________________________________________________________________________________
Instructions: How to score. Prefix = 1 point. Suffix = 1 point. If a player uses a prefix and a suffix
with the same base word = 4 points. Use tally marks to record players’ scores.

Player 1 Player 2

Prefix Tally Marks: Prefix Tally Marks:

Suffix Tally Marks: Suffix Tally Marks:

Prefix & Suffix Tally Marks: Prefix & Suffix Tally Marks:

Total Points:________ Total Points:________

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 Practice Name __________________________ Date _________

Instructions: Read the sentence. Use the prefix/suffix chart on page 4 to change the word in ( ) to
fit the meaning of the sentence. The first one is done for you.

1. Sara and William were arguing about which team was the best. They had a disagreement over their
favorite sports team. (agree)
2. Paul was always tripping over his shoelaces. His laces were _________________.
(not tied)
3. Trey was worried about his big test and could not get to sleep. He was very _______________ in class
and could not stay awake during the test. (sleep)
4. There was a long line in front of the movie that Cecilia had waited to see. The movie was about to start,
and Cecilia was _______________________ after waiting in line for so long.
(not patient)
5. Juan’s little brother was throwing a temper tantrum in the restaurant. Juan was embarrassed by his
poor behavior and wished his brother would stop ________________________.
(not behave)
6. Terry was too young to go to elementary school. So her mom enrolled her in __________________.
(before school)
7. The magician in the magic show was great. First, he pulled a rabbit out of his hat and then he made it
____________________. Next, he made the rabbit _____________________ on the table.
(not appear) (appear again)
8. Jen and Steve were looking at their phones and not watching where they were going. They crashed
into each other spilling their notebooks all over the hallway. The accident was ____________________
had they been paying attention. (to avoid)
9. After a long week, the class was finally out of school for the summer. Leigh looked forward to the being
on the beach and a long, _______________ summer.
(rest)
10. Tina was a ballerina and loved to dance. She was the best _____________in dance class.
(dance)
11. Todd was too lazy to cook something new. He decided the best thing to do was to _______________
leftovers from the day before. (heat)

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 Homework Name __________________________ Date _________

Instructions: Use a prefix to change the meaning of the word to the opposite meaning. An example
is done for you. Use the new word in a sentence.

Word Opposite Using Prefix Sentence

agree disagree I disagree with you that your answer is right.

perfect

lead

cook

like

possible

made

afraid

move

Instructions: Use a suffix to change the meaning of the word. An example is done for you. Use the
new word in a sentence.

Word New Word with Suffix Sentence

design designer Liz is a famous fashion designer.

lead

speak

success

waste

forget

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 Practice Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Instructions: Read the sentence. Use the prefix/suffix chart on page 4 to change the word in ( ) to
fit the meaning of the sentence. The first one is done for you.
1. Sara and William were arguing about which team was the best. They had a disagreement over their
favorite sports team. (agree)
2. Paul was always tripping over his shoelaces. His laces were untied.
(not tied)
3. Trey was worried about his big test and could not get to sleep. He was very sleepy in class and could
not stay awake during the test. (sleep)
4. There was a long line in front of the movie that Cecilia had waited to see. The movie was about to start,
and Cecilia was impatient after waiting in line for so long.
(not patient)
5. Juan’s little brother was throwing a temper tantrum in the restaurant. Juan was embarrassed by his
poor behavior and wished his brother would stop misbehaving.
(not behave)
6. Terry was too young to go to elementary school. So her mom enrolled her in preschool.
(before school)
7. The magician in the magic show was great. First, he pulled a rabbit out of his hat, and then he made it
disappear. Next, he made the rabbit reappear on the table.
(not appear) (appear again)
8. Jen and Steve were looking at their phones and not watching where they were going. They crashed
into each other spilling their notebooks all over the hallway. The accident was avoidable had they been
paying attention. (to avoid)
9. After a long week, the class was finally out of school for the summer. Leigh looked forward to the being
on the beach and a long, restful summer.
(rest)
10. Tina was a ballerina and loved to dance. She was the best dancer in dance class.
(dance)
11. Todd was too lazy to cook something new. He decided the best thing to do was to reheat leftovers
from the day before. (heat)

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 Homework Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Instructions: Use a prefix to change the meaning of the word to the opposite meaning. An example
is done for you. Use the new word in a sentence. Most common answers.

Word Opposite Using Prefix Sentence

agree disagree I disagree with you that your answer is right.

perfect imperfect Sentences will vary

lead mislead

cook uncook

like dislike or unlike

possible impossible

made unmade or remade

afraid unafraid

move remove

Instructions: Use a suffix to change the meaning of the word. An example is done for you. Use the
new word in a sentence. Most common answers.

Word New Word with Suffix Sentence

design designer Liz is a famous fashion designer.

lead leader, leaders, leading Sentences will vary

speak speaker

success successful

waste wasting, wasted,

wasteful

forget forgetful or forgettable

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