A classroom chart allows students to break words into bases, prefixes and suffixes. Make columns at the top of the chart for the complete word, prefix, root word and suffix, then invite students to take turns charting and defining words. By breaking down words, such as biodegradable, degradation and unbeatable, students can study the way prefixes and suffixes contribute to the complete word meaning. After competing the chart, students can make index cards with root words, prefixes and suffixes and find ways to mix and match them.
By coming up with words that use prefixes and suffixes, students will gain knowledge of the meanings for commonly used affixes. Make a list of prefixes, including anti-, pre-, semi- and tri- and ask students to come up with words to demonstrate each prefix. Do the same activity with suffixes, such as -ology, -less and -er. The students will evaluate each word on the list to determine how the prefix or suffix affects its meaning.
Create mini word search activities to help middle school students connect root words to prefixes and suffixes. Each word search should focus on either a prefix or suffix and include hidden root words that apply to the featured affix. For example, a word search for the prefix "inter-," will include the terms, "act," "change" and "ject." A word search for the suffix "-ful," can have the hidden terms "grace," "care" and "plenti." The students will build an understanding of prefix and suffix meanings by attaching them to common words.
Provide students with a bingo card full of words that contain a prefix and/or suffix. Guide them through the game by drawing prefixes and suffixes from a bag and asking students to find them on their card. You can also give prefix and suffix meanings as clues to make word riddles. Lead them to the word submarine by hinting that the prefix means under while the root word indicates having to do with the sea. They will use their knowledge of prefix and suffix meanings and have fun while participating in these class games.