Word Study: Suffixes

Suffixes transform words: they turn verbs into nouns (run → running), nouns into adjectives (care → careful), and adjectives into adverbs (quick → quickly). This is grammar through the lens of morphology — the child sees how words change jobs.

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

Objectives

• Recognize common suffixes (-ful, -less, -ness, -ly, -tion, -ing, -ed)
• Understand how suffixes change word class and meaning
• Compose new words by adding suffixes
• Analyze unfamiliar words by their suffixes

Materials

• Suffix chart with common suffixes, meanings, and class changes
• Box of root-word cards
• Paper and pencils

Instructions

1. Show the suffix chart: -ful, -less, -ness, -ly, -tion, -ing, -ed. 2. Show meanings: '-ful' means 'full of'; '-less' means 'without'; '-ly' makes adverbs. 3. Take 'care' and add '-ful' → 'careful' (adjective). 4. Add '-less' → 'careless.' 5. Add '-ly' to 'careful' → 'carefully' (adverb). 6. Invite the child to explore each suffix with roots. 7. Note which suffixes change word class. 8. Find suffixed words in reading. 9. Decode unfamiliar words by recognizing their suffixes.

Educator tip

Many spelling rules live here: y → i before -ness (happy → happiness), double consonant before -ing (run → running). Teach as needed with the suffix.

Assessment

Note suffix recognition, correct class identification after adding the suffix, and spelling changes.

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