Word Study: Prefixes

Once the elementary child reads fluently, they delight in the architecture of words. Prefixes reveal that words are built like Lego — un-happy is 'not happy,' re-do is 'do again.' This is word-building as play.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Word Study
• Level: Ages 7-8

Objectives

• Recognize common prefixes (un-, re-, dis-, pre-, mis-)
• Understand how prefixes change word meaning
• Compose new words by adding prefixes
• Discover the Latin and Greek roots of prefixes

Materials

• Prefix chart with common prefixes and meanings
• Box of root-word cards
• Paper and pencils

Instructions

1. Show the prefix chart: un-, re-, dis-, pre-, mis-. 2. For each, show the meaning: 'un-' means 'not'; 're-' means 'again.' 3. Take a root word card: 'happy.' 4. Add 'un-' → 'unhappy.' What does it mean? 5. Try 're-' with 'do' → 'redo.' 6. Invite the child to explore each prefix with many roots. 7. Hunt for prefixed words in books. 8. Discover that not every 're' word has the prefix meaning ('red' doesn't). 9. Study Latin and Greek origins (re = back, again; dis = apart).

Educator tip

Keep a class 'word wall' of discovered prefixed words; children love to add to it.

Assessment

Note prefix recognition in new words and correct generation of prefixed forms.

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• Word Study: Suffixes
• Poetry Study — Rhyme, Rhythm, and Imagery
• Grammar Box 1 — The Article
• Grammar Box 2 — The Adjective with Noun and Article
• Detective Adjective Game
• Verb Tense Chart — Past, Present, Future
• Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
• Sentence Analysis — Second Stage (Direct Object)