Prefix and Suffix Skills

Most words used in the English language today were not originally English. These words were borrowed from other languages. The majority of English words have Latin or Greek origins. It IS helpful to know some of these origins or "roots" of English vocabulary. It may be posible to guess the meaning of an unknown word when one knows the meaning of its root. Knowing prefixes and suffixes can also assist the process.

An English word can consist of three parts: the root, a prefix, and a suffix. The root is the part of the word that contains the basic meaning of the word. The root is the base element of the word. A prefix is a word element that is placed in front of a root. A prefix changes the word's meaning or makes a new word. A suffix is a word element that is placed after the root. The suffix changes the word's meaning as well as its function(use).

Prefixes and Suffixes were originally words themselves but they are now groups of letters added to words or to roots to create new words. Prefixes [pre(before) + fix(fasten) = fasten before] are groups of letters placed before words or roots. Prefixes modify or extend the meaning of words and roots.

Suffixes are groups of letters attached to the ends of roots, words, and word groups. Suffixes serve a grammatical function. A suffix can indicate what part of speech(noun, verb, adjective, adverb) to which the word belongs. Suffixes can also modify and extend meaning

Racer Chaser

Age 9+

Suitable resource for KS2-3; Yr4-7; P4-P7

Racer Chaser is the latest game from HELP and is already proving to be a winner with children! The game combines the excitement of racing cars whilst reinforcing word building using prefix and suffix skills. The game consists of a warm-up round using less challenging words, then the real race begins, using 24 prefix words or 24 suffix words.

Experienced players will then want to take on the ultimate challenge - 12 words which can be built using both a prefix and a suffix! We have also included blanks for your own choice of words. A great game for 2 to 4 players or teams!

Helps with

• Prefix skills
• Suffic skills
• Word building