Wacky Words: Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

6

Overview

This learning activity includes a prefix, root word, and suffix randomizer wheel created on Flippity. The teacher will share this resource with the students. Students will spin the wheel to create new words. Each word will have a prefix and suffix added to the root word. Many of the words will not make sense and that is why this activity is so fun! 

This resource was created as part of the ALEX Resource Development Summit. 

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 6

ELA21.6.27

Discover word meanings by analyzing word parts, examining connotation and denotation, or using print or digital reference tools.

UP:ELA21.6.27

Vocabulary

  • Word parts
  • Connotation
  • Denotation
  • Print reference tools
  • Digital reference tools

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The meaning of words can be identified by examining the word's morphological structure or its connotation or denotation.
  • Strategies for using print and digital reference tools.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Use word parts, connotation, and/or denotation to determine word meanings.
  • Use reference tools to determine word meanings.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • If they encounter an unfamiliar or unknown word in text, they should use a strategy to discover the word meaning or consult a reference tool to find the word meaning.

Learning Objectives

The students will: 

  • create new words and write definitions for the words. 
  • write sentences using their newly created words. 

I can: 

  • define a word using affixes. 
  • create new words and write definitions for them. 

Activity Details

This activity would work well as an individual or collaborative activity. The students will need a piece of paper and a writing utensil as well as a device. The students will access the Flippity link that was shared by their teacher. The student will click the large arrow to the right to spin the Randomizer Wheel. The student will write their new word on their paper. Next, the student will write a definition for the word. Finally, the student will use the word in a sentence. 

Note: The words may not be real words. That is the point of the assignment. If students can determine the meaning of a word that doesn't make any sense, real words will be much easier. 

Assessment Strategies

When teachers are evaluating this assignment, they will want to look at the definitions that their students created. Even if the word is not a real word, the students should be able to write a definition for the word. For example, if the student spins the word "multijectity", they may write a definition like "the condition of throwing many things." 

Variation Tips

To extend the activity, teachers could have the students create Frayer models for their new words. 

Background / Preparation

The teacher will need to share the link with the students. 

The teacher will need to instruct students to get a piece of paper or their notebook and something to write with. 

The teacher should be certain that students understand the concept of prefixes, root words, and suffixes. 

Learning Activity (Before)

Wall of Words

Learning Activity (During)

Wacky Words: Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes

Learning Activity (After)

Inconceivable!: Using The Princess Bride to Assess Students
https://www.flippity.net/ra.php?k=1fQg73faXWnfbt1WvOO3CkloLasx23BAF8Qf1lg8VR6A

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

amyrsmith
ALSDE LOGO

This site may contain links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness by us. WE DO NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THIS SITE.
Alabama Learning Exchange © 2002-2023 by Alabama State Department of Education is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Design by Adaptive Theme