Use Prefix Suffix Worksheets to Build Vocabulary

When it comes to prefix suffix worksheets, many of us may not know which ones actually help build vocabulary.

What we do know though . . . is that the meaning of most words with prefixes is carried within the affix (i.e, prefixes and suffixes).

This means a substantial part of the meaning of a sentence can be carried in a prefixed word. If students know the most commonly used prefixes and suffixes, they will be able to pick up quite a bit of vocabulary without direct instruction.

A List of the Most Common Prefixes and Suffixes

Mis
Dis
Re
Un
-er
-ed
-est

Students are attracted to themes that allow them to experiment with being a part of the adult world.

We chose the surgery theme because so many kids can relate to being a doctor, and after all, who doesn’t love taking things apart. In a survey of students sponsored by MetLife, Fatherly magazine reports that doctors is the top professional choice of young children, especially girls. “Teacher” was also among students’ top picks which shows just how important your job is!

Using prefix and suffix activities with a theme can be an empowering way to build students’ vocabulary.

As you know, common prefix and suffix worksheets can be a bit boring in the mind of an elementary school student.

Jazzing up those dated, common prefix suffix worksheets with a theme is a sure way to keep students engaged and empower them with stronger vocabularies.

Most importantly, by giving students plenty of practice with prefix and suffix activities you’re empowering them with knowledge to figure out the meaning of new words . . . on their own.

Go you!

How to Use Prefix Suffix Worksheets with a Surgery Theme

Step One – Stage the Environment

With prefix suffix worksheets that have a theme like surgery, teachers can go as far out as they want. Students can wear lab coats and stethoscopes, or plastic gloves as they complete the activities.

Step Two – Present a short mini-lesson

Before I taught prefixes and suffixes to my students, I did a lot of research to make sure I was giving them a fun lesson that was also research-based lesson.

Get your copy of “The Busy Teacher’s Guide for How to Teach Prefixes and Suffixes in a Fun Way” for free to make sure you are on track.

Check out my post on how to teach prefixes and suffixes for a more in-depth discussion on instructional strategies that empower students to their vocabulary throughout the year.

Step Three – Give Opportunities to Practice with Prefix Suffix Worksheets

After a short mini-lesson, prefix suffix worksheets and activities can be assigned to students as independent work in literacy centers, or even homework.

Since much of students’ vocabulary growth occurs independently, it’s important to have a rich set of prefix and suffix activities for students. This will empower students to stay engaged while working on their prefix suffix worksheets and building their vocabulary.

Make sure that you have a variety of prefix and suffix activities. Since this is one of my favorite areas to teach, I created a mini-bundle of worksheets and games centered around the surgery theme with all of the above activities and whole class prefix and suffix games like Bingo and I Have, Who Has?

If you want to know even more about how to use prefix and suffix games in the classroom, check out this blog post.

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