How can you build your students’ vocabulary on top of words they already know?

With prefixes!

Prefixes are added to the beginning of a word, changing it into another word. 

For example, your students know the word “happy.” Adding the prefix “un” to happy it changes the definition to the opposite. 

And your students just learned a brand new word! 

Build a Bigger Vocabulary with Prefix Games!

Use this resource in your reading station, as a guided group activity, or as a whole class exercise (see below) to review words with prefixes and identify their meaning. 

To play, students listen to the definition calling card and cover the prefix word that matches the definition if it appears on their BINGO board. 

Through this activity, your students will demonstrate the ability to decode a word’s meaning using their knowledge of the most common prefixes and the root word. 

The prefixes students will apply in this activity are:

Scaffold and Extend Your Prefix Activities

Challenge students who already understand the concept to identify the prefix and root word and use the word in a sentence. 

Assign peer partners to support students who need help understanding the concept. Students can also use a prefix poster or an anchor chart as a visual reference of common prefix meanings. 

Many More Opportunities For Fun with Prefixes

Use this resource as independent practise for fast finishers and full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, comprehension assessments, and more.

❌ Alternate Forms of BINGO

In addition to 5-in-a-row, opt to play by covering the game boards in the following patterns:

• 4 Corners
• Plus sign
• Blackout
• X out

🧑‍🏫 Show Me!

Give each student a mini dry-erase board and a dry-erase marker. Project a game board and work through each word by having your students write the word and draw a line between the prefix and the root word. When everyone has written down their answer, say, “Show Me.” Students will flip their boards, allowing you to see who needs extra support.

👯  Match Me If You Can

Shuffle and divide the definition cards equally among players in your guided reading group. Use a game board to provide a prefix word for students to decode. The student with the matching definition card picture lays it face up before them. The first person to have all their cards face up wins.

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. 

This resource was created by Kiri Sowers, a Teach Starter Collaborator.