Prefixes (age 7+)
Spell words with a range of prefixes (dis-, mis-, un-, re-, pre-, anti-, auto-, super-) understanding how each prefix modifies the root word's meaning without changing its spelling
What a learner can do afterwards
- Spell words with prefixes dis-, mis-, re- correctly without altering the root (e.g., disappoint, misspell, return)
- Add prefixes un-, pre-, anti-, auto-, super- to root words and use the new word in a sentence (e.g., unhappy, preview, autograph)
- Explain how a prefix changes the meaning of a root word (e.g., 'dis-' means 'not' or 'opposite of')
The lesson
You already know that un- flips a word to its opposite, like happy becomes unhappy. Prefixes are small word parts you glue onto the front of a word to change its meaning. This time you will meet more of them: dis-, mis-, re-, pre-, anti-, auto-, and super-. Each one changes the meaning, but the root word never changes its spelling.
Dis- means 'not' or 'opposite': disagree means to not agree. Mis- means 'wrongly': misspell means to spell a word the wrong way. Pre- means 'before': preview means to look at something before everyone else. Anti- means 'against': antifreeze works against freezing. Auto- means 'by itself': an autograph is a signature you write yourself. Super- means 'more than usual': a superhero has powers beyond a normal person's.
Maya misread the instructions and built the shelf backwards. She had to redo the whole thing. Next time, she decided to preview each step before she started, and the shelf did not disappoint her at all.
When you add a prefix, do not add or drop any letters from the root word. Dis- + appoint stays disappoint, not dissapoint. Just glue the prefix onto the front and leave the root exactly as it is.
A prefix glues onto the front of a word and changes its meaning, but the root word's spelling always stays the same.
Watch it
Where it sits
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.