Prefixes, suffixes and roots worksheets
Aligned with Common Core RF.3.3a
Printable third-grade prefix and suffix worksheets: a chart of common word parts, splitting words into prefix, root and suffix, making words to match a meaning, word webs and sentences.
The worksheets
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Prefix, Suffix and Root Chart
Prefixes un- re- dis- mis- pre- non- over- and suffixes -ful -less -ly -er -or -able -ment -ness -y -est, with meanings and examples.
Find the Parts
Words like unhelpful and disagreement to split into prefix, root word and suffix.
Make the Word
Meanings like "can be washed" with a root word. Add a prefix or suffix to make the word.
What Does It Mean?
Words with their prefixes and suffixes in color. Circle what each word means.
Word Webs
Root words like help, kind and play with four new words to build from each one.
Finish the Sentence
Sentences to complete with words like unbreakable, preview and kindness from a word box.
Color by Prefix
A hidden picture made of words with the prefixes un-, re-, pre-, dis- and mis-. Includes an answer key.
Print the whole packet
One copy of every sheet above, in order. Tap + for more copies (up to 10).
For the parent or teacher
What it is
A root word is the main part of a word. A prefix goes at the start and a suffix goes at the end, and each one changes the meaning. Third graders learn prefixes like dis-, mis-, pre-, non- and over- and suffixes like -able, -ment, -ness, -y and -est. They use the parts to read longer words and work out what they mean.
What comes next
Third-grade tricky words.
How to teach it
- Cover the prefix and suffix with your fingers, read the root word, then add the parts back.
- Say the meaning of each part, like un- means "not" and -able means "can be."
- Build words from one root, like help, helper, helpful and unhelpful.
- Look for prefixes and suffixes in books you read together.
- Make up silly words with real parts, like "unjumpable," and ask what they would mean.
Common mistakes
- Thinking every word that starts with un or re has a prefix. Uncle and read don't.
- Reading the meaning backward, like thinking preheat means heat again.
- Mixing up -ful and -less, which mean the opposite of each other.