Making New Words Lesson Plan: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Words

Submitted by: Victoria Russell

Grade Levels: 3-5, 6-8

In this lesson plan, which is adaptable for grades 3-8, students use BrainPOP resources to explore the function of root words, prefixes, and suffixes. Students will create new words by adding prefixes and suffixes to root words, and increase their vocabulary by applying prefix and suffix knowledge to real-world situations.

Lesson Plan Common Core State Standards Alignments

Students will:

  1. Understand the function of root words, prefixes, and suffixes.
  2. Create new words by adding prefixes and suffixes to root words.
  3. Increase vocabulary understanding by applying prefix and suffix knowledge.

Materials:

  • Access to BrainPOP
  • Index cards
  • Markers
  • Chart Paper

Vocabulary:

root word, prefix, suffix

Preparation:

Divide students into three equal groups.

Lesson Procedure:

  1. Students will watch the BrainPOP movie Roots, Prefixes, Suffixes.
  2. Students will take the Review Quiz and attempt to identify some of the vocabulary from the movie. The Worksheet may be used to assist in this.
  3. Pass out paper and markers and have students get in their groups. Each group will have its own color marker which is different than the other groups' color.
  4. Give students in Group 1 about 4 minutes to write down a root word on their index card. Give students in Group 2 the same time to write a prefix on their index card, and give students in Group 3 the same time to write a suffix on their index card.
  5. Ask one student from Group 1 to share their root word. Then ask Group 2 if anyone can use their prefix + the root word to make a new word. If no new words can be made from the prefix index cards, make a new word as a class using a different prefix.
  6. Ask Group 3 if anyone can use their suffix card + the root word to make a new word. If no new words can be made from the suffix index cards, make a new word as a class.
  7. Repeat the activity until all root words have been shared. A list of all new words made can be recorded on chart paper. Facilitate a discussion about which prefixes and suffixes are the most common.

Extension Activities:

For additional practice, set a timer and have students use the Root words from Group 1 to create as many new words as they can.

Related:

    Filed as:  3-5, 6-8, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.1, English, Etymology, General, Grammar, Prefixes, Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes, Teaching Strategies, Writing