Prefixes and Suffixes

Grade 4 · English

Semester 2 | Period 4 | Week 21

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Subject: English

Semester: 2

Period: 4

Week: 21

School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: English Language
Grade Level: Grade 4
Date: Week 21
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 21, Period 4
Topic: Prefixes and Suffixes
Sub-topic: Combining Prefixes and Suffixes

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Combine prefixes and suffixes with root words to form new words.
  2. Explain the meaning of newly formed words.
  3. Use the new words in sentences.
  4. Create additional words through peer collaboration.

Previous Knowledge
Students know the meanings of common prefixes and suffixes and can form new words.

Instructional Materials
English Language textbook for Grade 4, flashcards with prefixes, root words, and suffixes, chart papers.

Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Teacher displays root words like agree and toxic. Students are asked how they can use both prefixes and suffixes to create a longer word and what it would mean.

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes

👦🏽👧🏼 Learners’ Activities (Expanded)

  1. Introduction and Explanation
  • The teacher explains that many English words can be made by adding both a prefix and a suffix to a root word, which allows us to express more precise or complex ideas.
  • Example demonstrated on the board:
    • dis + agree + ment = disagreement (meaning the state of not agreeing)
    • non + toxic + ity = nontoxicity (meaning the condition of not being toxic)
  1. Word Formation Practice
  • Students are given sets of cards with prefixes (dis-, non-, un-, re-), root words (agree, toxic, happy, known, legal), and suffixes (-ment, -ity, -ness, -able).
  • In pairs or small groups, learners combine these parts to form new words. Examples include:
    • dis + connect + ion = disconnection
    • un + happy + ness = unhappiness
    • re + write + able = rewriteable (note: might encourage them to find correct suffix forms)
  • Students write down each new word and explain its meaning in simple language.
  1. Group Activity: Creating a Word Chart
  • Each group creates a chart listing at least ten words formed by combining prefixes and suffixes with root words.
  • For each word, students write:
    • The prefix, root word, and suffix used
    • The meaning of the new word in their own words
  • Groups share their charts with the class, explaining some examples aloud.

 

✅ Assessment Checks

Teacher asks:

  • “Form a word using the prefix non, root word toxic, and suffix -ity. What does it mean?”
  • “What does the word disagreement mean? Can you break it down into prefix, root word, and suffix?”
  • “Give another example of a word with a prefix and suffix combined.”
  • “Explain the meaning of your created word in your own words.”

 

📘 Notes (Expanded & Detailed)

  • Combining Prefixes and Suffixes:
    Combining a prefix at the start and a suffix at the end of a root word allows us to form words with nuanced and specific meanings.
  • Prefixes add meaning such as “not,” “again,” or “reverse.”
  • Suffixes often change the word’s grammatical function or add meaning related to state, quality, or ability.
  • Examples:
    • dis + agree + ment = disagreement
      • dis- means “not” or “opposite of”
      • agree is the root meaning “to have the same opinion”
      • -ment means “the state of”
      • Meaning: The state of not agreeing or having opposite opinions.
    • non + toxic + ity = nontoxicity
      • non- means “not”
      • toxic means “poisonous or harmful”
      • -ity means “quality or condition”
      • Meaning: The quality or condition of not being poisonous or harmful.
  • Reinforcement through Practice:
    • Students start forming words individually to build confidence.
    • They then work in pairs to share ideas and check meanings.
    • Finally, group work encourages collaboration and presentation skills.

 

✍️ Practice Exercises

  1. Form new words by combining:
    • Prefix: dis-, non-, un-
    • Root words: agree, honest, appear, known
    • Suffixes: -ment, -ity, -ness, -able
  2. Create a meaning chart:
    Write down each new word, its parts (prefix, root, suffix), and what it means in your own words.
  3. Explain and share:
    Choose three words from your chart and explain their meanings to a partner or the class.

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary:
Students restate how combining prefixes and suffixes can change the meaning of words and give examples.

Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip/quiz: Write one word with a prefix and a suffix and explain its meaning.
Teacher will collect slips and provide oral feedback.

Assignment (Expanded):
Create five new words by combining a prefix and a suffix with a root word and use each in a sentence.

Follow-up Activity:
Next class will focus on using newly formed words in vocabulary development and writing.

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Mixed ability groups allow learners to support each other. Visual charts and example sentences reinforce understanding.

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
What worked well? ___________________________________________
What needs improvement? ____________________________________
Students’ engagement level: ☑ High ☑ Medium ☑ Low