Introduce New Concepts:
Letters added to the beginning of a base word are called a prefix. Children should understand that adding a prefix to the beginning of a base word changes the meaning of the base word.
Sometimes the meaning changes a great deal. Sometimes the meaning changes only a little.
For example: un + lock = unlock
(prefix) (base word)
By adding un to lock , the meaning changed a lot. Now, instead of meaning to fasten something tightly , the word means to open something up .
Also: un + tie = untie
(prefix) (base word)
And: un + certain = uncertain
(prefix) (base word)
Week one
The following are prefixes (and their meanings) that may be taught during week one: pre - before post - after un - not/opposite dis - not/opposite mis - bad/badly/wrong
Week two: re - back/again in - not/ in/ into ex - out

Suggested Activities:
1. Put out several prefixes and some base words written on tiles or cards. Children can construct new words using a prefix and base word.
2. As children are reading independently they can look for words with prefixes to record on stickies and share with the rest of the class.
3. Cut out two medium sized circles from card stock. On the first piece of card stock write six base words around the edge of the circle. On the second piece, write one prefix and cut a triangular window beside it. Connect the two circles in the center using a brass fastener. Spin the top wheel to create new words to study. Children can also construct these using a template to take home as study tools.
write base words write prefix
Circle One Circle Two (on top)
4. Play games on internet. See technology specialist for sites.
(****Please note that some base words are derivatives of Latin and Greek roots that students may not understand.
For example: predict pre + dic(t) = predict
(prefix) (root from the Latin meaning: to say)
Children are not expected to learn these roots. In these instances, the prefix plus the context will help children decode the word and determine meaning.

Week 1: Current Words: Prefixes pre = before un = not/ prefix preschool preheat precut preplan prepaid prepare prehistoric prefer predictable predawn prefab prefabricate preshrunk preventive prescribe preserve present unskillful unseen unwrap unpredictable unfairness uneven unselfishness uneasiness unavailable unteachable unrepentant unlawful unfurl unmovable unsuitable unreadable unpardonable unmistakable unshaken unthoughtful untarnished unwrinkled unusable unrewarded unthawed post = after postseason postponement postpone postdate postscript dis = not/ opposite dismiss displease dislike disobey disappear discount discard discontent disapproval discreet dispose disposable disagreeable disarray mis = bad/ badly, wrong mistake mislaid misbehave misprint mislead misspell mishap miscalculate misconduct miscount miscue misdeed mispronounce misshapen misstep misuse miscommunicate misidentify misdirect misguide misfile misunderstanding

Week 2: Current Words: Prefixes re -= back/ again in = not in/into repay replant refrain reflect recoil remarkable repulsive resistant respectful repentant reverse removable inhumane informal ineffective inoffensive indiscreet incomplete independent reload rethink rebuild refresh renew renewable redundant insert inspire inquire indent inform indented investment infiltrate intrinsic industry inflate infest investigate intrude incubate informant informative ex = out expensive expel extreme extend export exploit expressive exhaust exhaustive explain exclaimed exterminate excavate exclude excuse exhale expanded expansive explode extended exhilarate exile exist existence