Teaching prefixes and suffixes can be challenging, but with the right activities it doesn’t have to be! In first grade and second grade, students are just beginning to learn to read and master reading. Teaching them different prefixes and suffixes can help them understand the meanings of their words and build their vocabulary which will help them in the years to come.
Teaching Prefixes and Suffixes In Context
One way to introduce and teach prefixes and suffixes is to teach it within a text. By giving these words context, students will understand that they will see these words repeatedly in their books and therefore, they need to learn them so they understand what they are reading. One way to do this is with reading passages.
These reading passages provide a short passage for students to identify and highlight the prefixes or suffixes. They also provide an opportunity to write the words with word work and two comprehension questions. So, students are learning to write the root words with and without the prefix/suffix, while we also make sure they understand the text. There are prefix reading passages and suffix reading passages.
Teaching Prefixes and Suffixes in Small Group
Another way to teach and reinforce prefixes and suffixes with your students is teaching through small group. Pop The Balloon! is a fun small group game that I’ve talked a lot about on my blog and instagram. You can read about it here. To play Pop The Balloon! Prefixes and Suffixes, you give each student in your small group a card. Students start at the bottom of the card and read each bubble to the top to essentially “pop” the balloon. It is simple, but my kids have always loved playing this game and it’s a great way to practice skills you are learning in the classroom.
Color By Codes
Another fun way to practice prefixes and suffixes is color by codes. Students love coloring in color by code sheets to reveal a fun mystery picture. With these color by code sheets, students color in words with a certain suffix/prefix a certain color. So, they are being exposed to these words, learning to read them, and learning to recognize a suffix/prefix with this activity. See them here.
Prefix and Suffix Activities
The last way to practice prefixes and suffixes that I have for you today is with these fun activity packs. The include anchor charts, board games, dauber pages, and more! Click here to see them.
Download A Free Suffix Passage
