Prefix, Suffix and Root Chart
A root word is the main part. Prefixes and suffixes change what it means.
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How to do it
- Read each prefix and what it means.
- Read each suffix and what it means.
- Look at how one root word grows into many words.
Teaching tip
Keep the chart nearby while doing the other sheets in this set. This sheet is aligned with Common Core RF.3.3a.
About this 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.
What kids practice
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.
Watch for
- 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.
It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full prefixes, suffixes and roots guide for 3rd grade.
More sheets in this set
2. Find the PartsWords like unhelpful and disagreement to split into prefix, root word and suffix.
3. Make the WordMeanings like "can be washed" with a root word. Add a prefix or suffix to make the word.
4. What Does It Mean?Words with their prefixes and suffixes in color. Circle what each word means.
5. Word WebsRoot words like help, kind and play with four new words to build from each one.
6. Finish the SentenceSentences to complete with words like unbreakable, preview and kindness from a word box.
7. Color by PrefixA hidden picture made of words with the prefixes un-, re-, pre-, dis- and mis-. Includes an answer key.