Many English words are made up of prefixes and suffixes added to basic words. A root word is a basic word to which affixes (prefixes and suffixes) are attached and this serves as the basis for the creation of a new word. Affixes are an important aspect of English grammar. You must help your kids understand them and how they relate to base words. This prepares them for a more in-depth understanding of the English language.
A child’s performance in school depends on their ability to learn new language skills each year. When trying to interpret words and learn new concepts, it can feel a little daunting at times, but it doesn’t have to be! Prefixes and suffixes are excellent techniques to assist kids to learn new words and improve their vocabulary.
Prefixes and suffixes, as you know, are important topics for your kids to understand, but they can be difficult to teach (particularly suffixes!). Of course, your activities must adhere to the rules, but you also want them to be enjoyable!
What Is a Suffix?
A suffix is a word component added to the end of a basic word. ED, ING, and EST are examples of common suffixes.
The Most Common Suffixes
S, ES, ED, and ING are the most prevalent suffixes, they come frequently in words and their meanings are simple to understand and retain, these four suffixes are the most useful for children who are just beginning to learn the language.
What Is a Prefix?
A prefix is a word component that comes before a base word. Prefixes such as pre, bi, and anti are common.
The Most Common Prefixes
Un and re are the most popular prefixes, they appear frequently and their meanings are simple to understand and retain, these two prefixes are the most useful for young spellers to master.
Email is an example of a term that was created by combining a new prefix, e-, with the word electronic. E-book, e-cash, e-commerce, and e-tailer are just a few of the Internet-related nouns produced with this current prefix.
There are multiple ways you can make learning affixes fun and engaging for kids
Prefix Race
Introduce a suffix or prefix, such as “bi,” and urge your child to write down as many words that begin with “bi” as they can. Turn it into a competition, try to come up with as many words as you can in 15 minutes.
After they’ve written their words down, see if they figure out what the prefix or suffix might mean about the word. The kids are considerably more likely to recall if they understand the meaning of the prefix or suffix.
Prefix and Suffix of the Week
Each week, choose one prefix and suffix to study. Try to include it into your writing and speaking as much as possible. Consider keeping a tally on a board to keep track of how many times you or your child uses the word. This is a fantastic approach to keep the kids engaged throughout the learning process.
Involve Root Words and Suffixes
It is possible to teach prefixes or suffixes in isolation, but the more in-depth understanding your child has of the subject, the better.
You can try teaching root words, prefixes, and suffixes all at the same time.
Playing jigsaws is a great approach to teach your child. Make a list of basic words, prefixes, and suffixes, and have your child put them all together to form words.
The more choices they have, the better!
Roll an Affix Game
This is a basic game that can be used to review prefixes, suffixes, or both. Write six prefixes or suffixes on two blank dice or alternate between the two. Allow your child to roll one die while you roll the other. You and your child take turns giving a word that starts or ends with the prefix or suffix that comes up. Continue to say words until you can’t think of any more. A point is awarded to the last person to give a word.
Affixes can be taught and reviewed in a variety of methods with your kids. When kids can recognize a prefix and/or suffix in a new word or phrase, they have gained a greater comprehension of the language, which will aid them in becoming stronger readers and writers as they encounter more difficult texts!
What are the available online programs where I can enroll my child to learn affixes?
By introducing affixes, children can form complex sentences by learning new words and deciphering their meanings. You can book a free demo with BeyondSkool to assist your child to learn how to form these words using affixes in a fun and engaging way.
How much time should I dedicate each day to teaching my child affixes?
You can spend as little as 15-30 minutes every day teaching your child affixes. You can also teach them during playtime or while talking to them after their online class to revise what they’ve learnt.
