Prefixes

Grade 4 · English

Semester 2 | Period 4 | Week 19

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Subject: English

Semester: 2

Period: 4

Week: 19


School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: English Language
Grade Level: Grade 4
Date: Week 19
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 19, Period 4
Topic: Prefixes
Sub-topic: Introduction to Prefixes

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

  1. Explain the meaning of prefixes and their role in forming new words.
  2. Identify common prefixes: dis, non, super.
  3. Form new words by adding prefixes to root words.
  4. Explain the meaning of newly formed words.

Previous Knowledge
Students already know that words can be modified to change meaning.

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

Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Teacher displays words such as agree, toxic, market and asks students what happens if we add dis, non, or super to the words. Students predict the new words and meanings.

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

👦🏽👧🏼 Learners’ Activities (Expanded)

  1. Teacher Explanation and Demonstration
  • The teacher introduces the concept of prefixes as word parts added to the beginning of root words to change or modify their meanings.
  • Examples are given on the board:
    • dis means “not” or “the opposite of.”
    • non means “not.”
    • super means “above,” “beyond,” or “more than usual.”
  • The teacher explains each prefix with sample words:
    • disagree (dis + agree) means “not agree.”
    • nontoxic (non + toxic) means “not toxic or harmful.”
    • supermarket (super + market) means “a large market, bigger than usual.”
  1. Matching Activity
  • Students are given sets of prefix cards (dis-, non-, super-) and root word cards (agree, toxic, market, happy, natural, etc.).
  • In small groups or pairs, students match prefixes to root words to create meaningful new words (e.g., disagree, nontoxic, supermarket, unhappy, supernatural).
  • After matching, they discuss or write down the meaning of each new word in their own words.
  • Example:
    • dislike means “not like.”
    • nonstop means “without stopping.”
    • superhero means “a hero with powers beyond normal.”
  1. Class Discussion and Sharing
  • Groups share their words and meanings with the class.
  • The teacher clarifies and corrects explanations as needed.

 

✅ Assessment Checks

Teacher asks orally or in writing:

  • “What does the prefix dis- mean? Can you give an example?”
  • “Form a new word using the prefix non- and explain what it means.”
  • “What does super- mean in words like supermarket?”
  • “Can you think of another word with the prefix dis-?”
  • “What happens to the meaning of a word when we add non- at the beginning?”

 

📘 Notes (Expanded & Detailed)

  • What is a Prefix?
    A prefix is a group of letters added to the start of a root word to change its meaning. Prefixes help create new words without changing the root word itself.
  • Common Prefixes Covered:
  1. dis- means “not” or “opposite of.”
    • Examples:
      • agree → disagree (not agree)
      • appear → disappear (opposite of appear)
  1. non- means “not” or “without.”
    • Examples:
      • toxic → nontoxic (not harmful)
      • stop → nonstop (without stopping)
  1. super- means “above,” “beyond,” or “greater than usual.”
    • Examples:
      • market → supermarket (a large market)
      • natural → supernatural (beyond natural)
  • How Prefixes Change Meaning:
    Adding a prefix changes the meaning of the base/root word, often giving the new word an opposite or different sense.
  • Students’ Practice:
    Students should be encouraged to try creating new words by adding these prefixes to other root words they know. They should also be able to explain the meanings clearly.

 

✍️ Practice Exercises

  1. Matching – Match prefixes to root words and write the new words:
    • dis + like = ___________
    • non + sense = ___________
    • super + star = ___________
  2. Meaning Explanation – Write the meaning of these words in your own words:
    • disagree
    • nonstop
    • supernatural
  3. Create Your Own Words – Use the prefixes dis-, non-, and super- to form new words and explain their meanings.

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary:
Students restate what prefixes are and share examples of new words formed today.

Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip/quiz: Students write one prefix and a word they can form with it and its meaning.
Teacher will collect slips and provide oral feedback.

Assignment (Expanded):
Write five words using prefixes dis, non, or super and explain the meanings.

Follow-up Activity:
Next class will focus on suffixes and their role in forming new words.

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Pair learners to form words together. Visual aids and flashcards support learners who need additional help.

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