Prefixes and Suffixes

According to research, one of the best ways to learn vocabulary and comprehend better is learn word parts, or for third graders, prefixes and suffixes (Samuels and Farstrup 2008). I like to teach one prefix and one suffix a week. I introduce the affixes on Monday and then throughout the week, my kiddos are able to practice. Sometimes their practice is to find as many words that have that prefix or suffix in their independent reading books as they can. Some kiddos are working on learning prefixes and suffixes better for their personal reading goal.

After I introduce each prefix and suffix, I attach it to the door frame. The prefixes go on the left side and the suffixes go on the right side. As a quick assessment before switching classes, I can glance to the door, choose a prefix or suffix, and the kids tell me a word with that affix as they line up. They love it and I can tell who knows them! Here is what I do:

 I searched high and low all over Pinterest and TeachersPayTeachers and internet land and couldn't find a set of prefixes and suffixes that matched my needs exactly so I made a set myself. Click on the picture to take you to my store!

 

Happy teaching those prefixes and suffixes!