What are Prefixes? Teach Your Students the Way of Words

Do you need help explaining prefixes and suffixes to your students? Let us help! 

A prefix is a word part that is placed in front of a root word. These word parts change the meaning of the root word to which they are attached. Common prefixes include pre, re, dis and un. Take a look at the examples below.

This teaching presentation is unique in that it can be used interactively while teaching. It features multiple opportunities to drag and drop and fill in answers and ideas. During direct instruction, project the slides in the present mode, then use the escape key on your keyboard to switch to edit mode for the interactive parts.

Through lessons with this presentation, students will be able to

• Match the terms associated with prefixes with their meanings.
• Add prefixes to high-frequency and other studied words, increasing vocabulary.
• Create new words with common prefixes based on their meanings.
• Use prefixes to form words and use roots as clues to the meaning of new words.
• Assess and evaluate the correct use of prefixes in forming new words.
• Create new word patterns with words beginning and ending in common prefixes and frame sentences.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your Vocabulary Lessons. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need help understanding the concepts by 

• Providing students with a prefixes anchor chart to reference during the interactive portions of the lesson.
• Complete additional activities with prefixes before or after the main lesson.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

• Have students use their newfound knowledge to identify, define, and use words containing common prefixes and suffixes in their writing notebooks.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to download the Google Slides Presentation or PowerPoint Resource file.