Consolidate Knowledge of Prefixes, Suffixes and Root Words

Students focus on the structure of words in this word search. The clues provided are either: 

• definitions of terminology such as prefix, suffix and root words OR 
• meanings of word-parts. 

Through this type of exposure to a variety of word-parts, students grow their knowledge of letter patterns and this enables them to spell more complex words.

This worksheet is ideal for individual practice, review or as a fast finisher activity.

An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy!  

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding  

In addition to individual student work time, use this worksheet as:

• an English Group Activity
• a fast finisher activity 
• a homework assignment
• whole-class review (via smartboard.)

After completing the word search, students who are looking for a challenge could make lists of other prefixes, suffixes and root words that they know.

Support students who need more help by referring them to relevant posters or anchor charts. 

Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on thick card and slipping it into a write-and-wipe sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse. 

This resource was created by Jennifer Hall, a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time:  

teaching resource Morphology Meanings Bingo Examine word parts and identify their morphological meanings in this BINGO game. teaching resource Morphology Match-Up Consolidate your morphology lessons by ensuring students understand word parts terminology and the meanings of different word parts. teaching resource Prefixes, Suffixes and Roots - Dictionary Hunt Worksheet Investigate the morphological meanings of word-parts with this dictionary hunt.