How to Teach Suffixes to Third Graders
Instead of drilling vocabulary terms into your third-graders' heads, give them vocabulary-themed lessons that have a broader impact by studying word parts. By teaching your students to decode the meanings of different word parts, instead of looking at words as whole chunks, you can improve their abilities to derive the meanings of words with which they are not already familiar. To teach your students the meanings of common suffixes, first introduce them to this word part and then go into detail regarding suffix meanings.
Instructions
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Select a word that is accessible to your third graders, such as "useless" to ensure that a lack of familiarity doesn't hinder their understanding.
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Explain word parts, labeling the word. Place a mark between the root section of the word and the suffix, labeling both and explaining the difference to your students.
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Present students with a common suffix list. Use the list provided by Scholastic, the link to which you can find in the resources section, or create your own, including very common suffixes such as --est, -ful and-en along with the meanings of each.
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Discuss each suffix. Focus specifically on the meaning of each suffix, ensuring that your students are clear as to what each suffix indicates, when added to a word.
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Divide students into groups, assigning each group a suffix.
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Challenge the groups to come up with as many words containing that suffix as possible. Allow your third graders access to a dictionary, giving them the chance to build their dictionary skills, while they complete the assignment.
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Allow groups to share their findings with the class. To make it more exciting, prepare each group that finds 20 words or more with a prize for their hard work.
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Continue suffix learning -- asking students to highlight words containing suffixes in reading. Use a short story or copy of a novel section, so students can write directly on the text. Repeat this activity throughout the month, to ensure their understanding of the suffix information you imparted.
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