Teach students that prefixes are word parts placed at the beginning of words. These word parts change the meaning of the original, or root, word. For example, the prefix "un" creates an antonym, or word that means the opposite of the original word. The word "unprofessional" is an antonym for "professional."
Teach prefixes using word associations. Students benefit from connecting what they are learning to previous knowledge. Teach students the meaning of a prefix by connecting it with a prefixed word that they know. For example, the word "bicycle" has the prefix "bi" in it. Most students are familiar with a bicycle. They know what a bicycle looks like and that it has two wheels. The prefix "bi" means "two." Students can now associate the image of a bicycle with two wheels with the prefix "bi".
Teach students common prefixes and their meanings. The prefixes, "re", "pre", "in" and "un" are common prefixes. Examples include "remodel," "prewash," "inappropriate" and "unsuccessful." Have students use dictionaries or online resources to find words that use common prefixes.
Teach students to use context clues to determine the meaning of prefixes in literature. As students read selections that include words with prefixes, point these out to students. Help students explore the words around the prefixed word to determine its meaning. Context clues can be synonyms, antonyms, explanations or even definitions of the word.
Use graphic organizers, such as the Frayer Model, to help students explore the meaning of prefixes. The Frayer Model places the prefix in the center of the model. In each corner, list one of the following: an example of a word using the prefix, a synonym for the prefix, an antonym for the prefix and a definition for the prefix that the student creates using his own words.