Knowledge and Skills Statement
Task students with explaining how to decode words with prefixes. Students can work collaboratively to create a visual representation that shows their knowledge of prefixes such as identifying the base word and the prefix and then showing how to pronounce the word. Presentations might include a slide presentation with the prefix and base word appearing on the slide separately or index cards with word parts on separate cards. As students share, assess whether students accurately decode the words. Be sure to monitor student groups to identify students who need additional support.
Further Explanation
This assessment requires students to demonstrate phonetic knowledge of and experience with examining word parts (prefix + base word) in order to correctly decode words with prefixes. This knowledge is acquired through practice and experience reading words with a variety of prefixes. This type of word work can occur in all modalities to support all learning styles.
Research
1. Kieffer, M. J., & Lesaux, N. K. (2007). Breaking down words to build meaning: morphology, vocabulary, and reading comprehension in the urban classroom: When it comes to teaching vocabulary, a little knowledge (of root words, prefixes, and suffixes) goes a long way. The Reading Teacher, 61(2), 134+. Retrieved from https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A169960879/PROF?u=tea&sid=PROF&xid=1af4396d.
Summary: The authors describe the challenges faced by students who have limited academic vocabulary. These students struggle with comprehension as texts increase in complexity. When teachers implement a balanced classroom approach that combines explicit instruction with decoding strategies, students will increase vocabulary skills. The authors break down the meaning of morphology and apply it to instruction.
2. Yurtbasi, M. (2015). Building English Vocabulary through Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes Online Submission, Global Journal of Foreign Language Teaching 5(1), 44–51.Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?q=Nature+and+function+of+proposals+in+collaborative+writing&pr=on&ft=on&id=ED579889
Summary: Researchers consider that a strong vocabulary contributes to learner success and consider this specifically for English learners. They focus is on building a strong vocabulary through teaching specific Latin roots and their English derivatives, affixes, prefixes, and suffixes.