Does prefix have a prefix?

Students learn in a cooperative setting to identify, define, and construct words with prefixes. Students guess at initial meanings and spellings of words, correct misspellings using spelling strategies developed by their work groups, and use resources such as spell checkers and dictionaries to arrive at correct spellings and definitions. To help assess comprehension, students write sentences for each prefix group the class has worked on during the lesson.  This lesson involves whole-group instruction, cooperative learning, and using online or hard copy dictionaries to confirm spelling and meaning. The formative and summative assessments require higher-level thinking from the students, such as writing original sentences with words from a list that contain prefixes rather than matching or simply identifying the words.

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.3
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.5
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.3
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words or phrases based on grade 8 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.5
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.6
Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.2
Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.1
Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.10
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.6
Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.8
Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.9
Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting information on the same topic and identify where the texts disagree on matters of fact...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.1
Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.3
Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 6 Language...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.2
Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.3
Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.4
Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 8 Language...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.10
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two)...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.3
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.5
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.7
Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.3
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7
Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
GLE 0301.4.2
Gather information from a variety of sources to support a research topic.
GLE 0601.1.2
Employ a variety of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, and usage of words and phrases.
GLE 0601.2.1
Demonstrate critical listening skills essential for comprehension, evaluation, problem solving, and task completion.
GLE 0601.2.2
Begin to differentiate between summarizing and paraphrasing.
GLE 0601.2.6
Understand strategies for expressing ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of oral contexts.
GLE 0601.2.8
Participate in work teams and group discussions.
GLE 0601.3.1
Write in a variety of modes for different audiences and purposes.
GLE 0601.3.3
Organize ideas into an essay with an introduction, developing paragraphs, conclusion, and appropriate transitions.
GLE 0601.4.2
Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
GLE 0601.4.3
Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.
GLE 0601.8.5
Identify and analyze common literary terms (e.g., personification, conflict, theme).
GLE 0701.2.7
Participate in work teams and group discussions.
GLE 0701.6.1
Comprehend and summarize the main ideas and supporting details of informational texts.
GLE 0801.2.7
Participate in work teams and group discussions.
GLE 0801.3.3
Organize ideas into an essay with an introduction, developing paragraphs, conclusion, and appropriate transitions.
GLE 0801.4.2
Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
GLE 0801.4.3
Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.
GLE 0801.5.5
Explore the concept of premises, including false premises.
SPI 0601.1.15
Use context clues and prior knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of multi-meaning words.
SPI 0601.1.16
Use context clues and prior knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
SPI 0601.1.17
Use dictionaries, thesauruses, electronic sources, and glossaries as aids in determining the meaning of unfamiliar words.
SPI 0601.1.20
Use knowledge of root words, affixes, syllabication, and/or spelling patterns as aids in determining meaning within context.
SPI 0601.2.4
Select the most appropriate behaviors for participating productively in a team (e.g., contribute appropriate and useful information and ideas, understand the...
SPI 0601.2.5
Identify the functions and responsibilities of individual roles within an organized group (i.e., reporter, recorder, information gatherer, leader, timekeeper).
SPI 0601.4.3
Determine the most appropriate research source for a given research topic.
SPI 0601.5.5
Specify a logical word choice to complete an analogy using synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, categories, subcategories, whole/part, and functions.
SPI 0601.8.7
Analyze figurative language (i.e., hyperbole, simile, metaphor, personification,) within context.
SPI 0701.1.17
Use context clues and background knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of multi-meaning words.
SPI 0701.1.18
Use context clues and background knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
SPI 0701.1.21
Decode unknown grade level words in context, using previously learned strategies as aids in determining meaning.
SPI 0701.2.7
Select the most appropriate behaviors for participating productively in a team (e.g., ask primarily relevant questions that move the team toward its goal and...
SPI 0701.5.5
Select the correct word or phrase to complete an analogy, using synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, categories, subcategories, whole/part, functions, and verb forms.
SPI 0701.8.10
Identify and analyze figurative language (i.e., hyperbole, simile, metaphor, personification, pun) within context.
SPI 0801.1.16
Use context clues and/or knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
SPI 0801.1.19
Recognize and use grade appropriate and/or content specific vocabulary.
SPI 0801.2.7
Select the most appropriate strategies for participating productively in a team (e.g., gain the floor in orderly ways, meet or set deadlines for completing each...
SPI 0801.2.8
Identify the functions and responsibilities of individuals within an organized group (i.e., reporter, recorder, information gatherer, leader, timekeeper).
SPI 0801.3.5
Select appropriate time-order or transitional words/phrases to enhance the flow of a writing sample.
SPI 0801.4.2
Identify levels of reliability among resources (e.g., eyewitness account, newspaper account, supermarket tabloid account, Internet source).
SPI 0801.5.9
Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
SPI 0801.8.14
Identify the authors purpose for writing.
SPI 0801.8.8
Analyze figurative language (i.e., idiom, metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, pun) within context.
TSS.ELA.6.L.VAU.4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on 6th grade-level text by choosing flexibly from a range of...
TSS.ELA.6.L.VAU.5
When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them ...
TSS.ELA.6.SL.CC.1
Prepare for collaborative discussions on 6th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others' ideas and...
TSS.ELA.6.W.RBPK.8
Integrate relevant and credible information from print and digital sources; quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding...
TSS.ELA.6.W.TTP.1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
TSS.ELA.7.L.VAU.4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on 7th grade-level text by choosing flexibly from a range of...
TSS.ELA.7.L.VAU.5
When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them ...
TSS.ELA.7.SL.CC.1
Prepare for collaborative discussions on 7th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others' ideas and...
TSS.ELA.7.SL.CC.2
Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media formats; explain how this clarifies a topic, text, or issue under study.
TSS.ELA.8.L.VAU.4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on 8th grade-level text by choosing flexibly from a range of...
TSS.ELA.8.L.VAU.5
When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them ...
TSS.ELA.8.RI.CS.6
Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
TSS.ELA.8.RI.IKI.8
Delineate and evaluate the rgument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims and the...
TSS.ELA.8.RL.CS.6
Analyze how similarities and differences in the points of view of the audience and the characters create effects such as suspense, humor, or dramatic irony.
TSS.ELA.8.SL.CC.1
Prepare for collaborative discussions on 8th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others' ideas and...
TSS.ELA.8.SL.CC.3
Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence; identify...
TSS.ELA.8.W.RBPK.7
Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on multiple sources and generating additional related, focused...
TSS.ELA.8.W.RBPK.9
Support interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade 8 standards for...
TSS.ELA.8.W.TTP.1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
TSS.ELA.8.W.TTP.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of...
 
Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.
 
Learning objectives: 

Students will:

  • Identify and define the role of prefixes in the English language
  • Develop strategies for using prefixes to decode and comprehend words
  • Spell and put into a sentence a determined number of words in four different prefix groups
  • Work cooperatively with fellow students for the benefit of all
  • Become comfortable with taking risks (i.e., making guesses that may prove initially incorrect)
  • Increase facility with dictionary or other spell checking sources

 

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Analyzing
Extension suggestions: 

You may post a special "Prefix of the Month" chart in your classroom. Students can simply add words that contain the featured prefix.

You may choose from the list a particularly tricky word and take a few minutes to help the class decode it. This encourages students to seek out unusual words for the chart.

There are several excellent websites available to students to help them learn about prefixes. The Vocabulary Workshop is particularly straightforward and easy to navigate.

Helpful Hints

Materials needed:

  • Colored markers (2 of the same color for each group)
  • Index cards
  • Set of dice
  • Sheets of large chart paper
  • Sticky notes

References

Contributors: