Identify base words, prefixes, and suffixes

Key Notes:

What is a Base Word?

A base word is the main part of a word. It’s a word that can stand on its own. Think of it as the root of a tree! 🌳

Here are some examples: Play Help Jump Happy

Imagine a child playing. That’s play!

What is a Prefix?

A prefix is a group of letters that we add to the beginning of a base word. It changes the meaning of the base word. Think of it as adding something before the root! ➕➡️🌳

Here are some common prefixes: un- (means “not”) re- (means “again”) pre- (means “before”) dis- (means “not”, “opposite of”)

Let’s use ‘un-‘! If you are not happy, you are unhappy!

Let’s practice! If we add ‘re-‘ to ‘play’, we get ‘re-play’! What does ‘replay’ mean? It means to play again! 🎮

What is a Suffix?

A suffix is a group of letters that we add to the end of a base word. It also changes the meaning of the base word. Think of it as adding something after the root! 🌳⬅️➕

Here are some common suffixes: -ing (happening now) -ed (happened in the past) -er (a person who does something) -ful (full of)

Let’s use ‘-ing’! If you are jump + ing, you are jumping!

Let’s practice! If we add ‘-ful’ to ‘help’, we get ‘helpful’! What does ‘helpful’ mean? It means full of help! ❤️

Practice Time!

Let’s see if you can identify the base word, prefix, and suffix in the following words:

• Unkind
• Played
• Preheat
• Careless

Great job, everyone! Now you know how to build words using base words, prefixes, and suffixes. Keep practicing, and you’ll become word builders in no time! ✍️

Let’s practice!