Prefixes

A prefix is a syllable placed in front of a base word. Prefixes change the meaning of the word.

It is helpful for your student to know prefixes. When your student recognizes prefixes, he is able to read and spell many multisyllable words.

Here are some activities for teaching prefixes:

1. Write some common prefixes on index cards. The prefixes un and re are the most common ones. Choose just several new prefixes at a time. Discuss the meanings of the new prefixes and teach the correct spelling. Demonstrate how the prefix can be added in front of words to form new words. For example:

re + do = redo

re + build = rebuild

re + open = reopen

re + think = rethink

re + fill = refill

re + pay = repay

re + make = remake

re + move = remove

re + place = replace

re + turn = return


2. Have your student create a Prefix List. Start with a few example words and have your student add to the list as they discover words with prefixes. Discuss the meanings of the words on the list as they are added.


3. Encourage your student to look up prefixes in the dictionary and examine the entries near the word. When you look up the word hydro, for example, you’ll find hydroelectric, hydropower, and hydrophobia. Discuss how the prefix affects the meaning of the base word.


For more information on teaching about prefixes, see this free guide: The Complete Guide to Prefixes. Here is what you will find:

--Handy Tips for Adding Prefixes

--Six Rules for Using Hyphens with Prefixes

--Resource List of 90 Prefixes





Marie Rippel is the author of All About Spelling, the spelling program that is guaranteed to work. For more information, see these articles on literacy.