Find the Base Word Set of Worksheets

Help your students build strong spelling and vocabulary foundations with this Find the Base Word Worksheet resource. In each activity, learners identify the base word within a longer word, recognising how prefixes and suffixes (like re-, -ing, and -er) can change the meaning.

This resource works well for spelling, grammar, and reading comprehension lessons, offering students practical strategies for breaking down word structure.

With this pack of base word worksheets, students will:

• Circle the base word in examples such as reads, writer, relearn, learning, spelling, reread, rewrite, reading, and teaching.
• Understand how affixes alter word meaning.
• Strengthen their spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension skills through hands-on practice.

Extension Activities Beyond the Base Word Worksheets

Once students have completed the worksheets, extend their learning with fun, interactive activities such as:

• Word Sorts – Have students sort words by prefix, suffix, or base word families.
• Create New Words – Challenge learners to build new words by adding different prefixes or suffixes to base words.
• Base Word Hunt – Ask students to search for base words in classroom texts, storybooks, or magazines.
• Word Tree Posters – Students can create a “word tree,” writing the base word on the trunk and adding branches for words built from it.

Printable Base Words Worksheet PDF for Classroom Use

Each base words worksheet is easy to print and implement for independent work, homework, or small group literacy rotations. The clear layouts ensure students can confidently practice word study while teachers reinforce morphology and vocabulary development.

Download and print your Find the Base Word Worksheets today to give your students the tools they need for building word knowledge and spelling success.

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

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