A Prefix Game that Builds Vocabulary

Use this resource as a game for your reading center, a guided reading activity, or a whole class exercise.  

Players take turns moving along the game board using the spinner. They say a word not yet mentioned using the prefix they landed on and use it in a sentence. If correct, they stay on the square they landed on. If they are incorrect or cannot think of a word, they must return to the space they started. Play continues in this same manner until someone lands on the Finish square.

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

Challenge students who already understand the concept to write their sentences with prefix words. They can also define the meaning of the prefix, root word, and new prefix plus root word. 

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by providing visuals from your affixes teaching presentation as a reference. 

More Activities Using Our Prefix Game

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

👉 Knock Off

Have your students stand up and make a line across the room. Project the game board on your screen. Use our Random Name Picker widget to draw a student’s name and roll for them to land on a collective noun space. If the student correctly uses the collective noun in a sentence, they tap the person either to their left or right with their elbow. The person who is tapped must return to their seat. If the student can’t answer, they must sit out. Play continues until only 1 student is standing.

📽️ Group Lesson 

This activity can be used as a post-lesson assessment or exit activity. Using your smartboard or another projection device, present the entire game board. Roll a number cube and move along the board to a prefix space. Give students 1 minute to think of a word to use with the prefix in a sentence. Collect the papers to see if any students need help understanding the concepts.

Easily Prepare This Vocabulary Game for Your Students

Print on cardstock 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. We have also included color and black-and-white options.

This resource was created by Kiri Sowers, a teacher in Illinois and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

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