Prefixes are morphemes that are added to the beginning of words that add or alter the meaning of the word.
For today's post I wanted to jump right into the top four prefixes according to how often they occur in the English language! These four prefixes make up 97% of the prefixes used in printed school English (Honig, B., Diamond, L., and Gutlohn, L, 2000). Wow!
1. re-
The prefix 're-' is added to the beginning of words and means again. This prefix is typically introduced in the primary grades (1-3). 'Re-' is an open syllable, so if students have learned about open syllables, they will also know how to decode this morpheme.
Example: reread, rewrite, return
Latin
2. un-
The prefix 'un-' is added to the beginning of words and means not. This prefix is typically introduced in the primary grades (1-3).
Examples: unfriendly, unlock, unsafe
Origin: Anglo-Saxon
3. dis-
The prefix 'dis-' is added to the beginning of words and means not or opposite. This prefix is typically introduced in the primary grades (1-3).
Examples: disagree, dislike, distrust
Origin: Latin
4. in, im, il, ir
This prefix has a few variations but when added to the beginning of a word it means not. This prefix is a bit more complex so it commonly introduced between grade 3 and grade 6.
Examples: injustice, impossible, inactive, insane, inexpensive
Origin: Latin
One nice thing about teaching prefixes, is there minimal spelling rules. It is rare that we have to double a letter or change a letter in order to add it.
That said when we teach prefixes we are supporting students on their journey to become a skilled reader. If we see a morpheme at the beginning of a word it gives us a clue about the word meaning and if we can decode that morpheme quickly it enhances our reading fluency.
Honig, B., Diamond, L., and Gutlohn, L (2000). Teaching Reading Sourcebook: For Kindergarten Through Eighth Grade.
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