Base Word Game To Explore Words

This base word game helps students practise identifying and building words from base forms in a fun, interactive way. Learners take on the role of “word detectives” as they uncover hidden base words and create new words using prefixes and suffixes.

The game format makes learning about word families engaging while reinforcing spelling and vocabulary skills. Teachers can use it as a literacy centre, small group activity, or whole-class game to strengthen students’ understanding of how words work.

Base Words and Root Words

The Detective Base Word Game Cards help students recognise base words and root words as the foundation for new vocabulary. Understanding these essential elements of language is key for developing strong reading, writing, and spelling skills.

Students learn to identify a base word, then add endings or prefixes to create new words, seeing first-hand how root words give meaning and structure. This knowledge also supports comprehension and boosts students’ ability to decode unfamiliar words independently.

Base Word Activities

These cards are ideal for a range of base word activities that can be used in the classroom or at home. From sorting cards into word families to creating new words with prefixes and suffixes, these activities provide hands-on opportunities for students to explore language.

Teachers can use the game to run quick literacy warm-ups, small group challenges, or independent tasks, making it a flexible and effective addition to any classroom word study program.

Use the dropdown menu to choose between the easy to print PDF or the editable Google Slides version of this resource.

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter Collaborator.

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