Build New Words By Adding Suffixes

If you want to show that something is possible, you add -able to its end…

As in debatable.

If you want to show that something is missing, you add -less to its end…

As in powerless.

These additions are suffixes—a letter or group of letters attached to the end of a word that changes its meaning.

Through this activity, players will practise adding common suffixes to words by choosing a card and reading the word. They’ll then identify a matching suffix for the word on the game board and cover it with one of their manipulatives. The player who connects four squares in a row first is the winner!

The suffixes students will match to root words are:

• -less
• -able
• -ment
• -ful

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by providing visuals like an anchor chart or affixes poster.

Challenge fast finishers who understand the concepts to write sentences with suffix words. They can also define the meaning of the suffix, root word, and new suffix plus root word.

Even More Opportunities For Learning With Our Vocab Game

We created this resource for your reading station as an independent practise activity. We also suggest using it to reinforce your small group and full-class lessons in the following ways:

✏️ Write the Room (Scoot Activity)

Hang sheets of chart paper around the room and post a word card above each one. Individually or with a partner, have students rotate around the room, adding a correct suffix on the paper to create a new word. Project the game board for reference, if needed. Words may be used only once.

💥 Swat! 

During small group instruction, create a grid of 4 cards on top of a table and give each student a fly swatter. Provide a suffix that fits with one of the visible word cards. The first student to swat the suffix’s matching word sets the card aside in a pile to keep score. The student with the most cards wins.

🔤 Alphabetical Order

As students play the game, challenge them to alphabetize their word cards. Once the game is over, have players work together to sort all words on the cards into ABC order.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on thick card for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.