- English Language Arts and Reading
- Grade 4
- Developing and sustaining foundational language skills
decoding words using knowledge of suffixes, including how they can change base words such as dropping e, changing y to i, and doubling final consonants; and
Have students work in small groups to read sentences that include words with suffixes, including words in which the base word changes such as dropping e, changing y to i (e.g., have/having, cry/cried), and doubling final consonants (e.g., step/stepping, spot/spotter). Students should identify words with suffixes while reading aloud and note the words in which adding the suffix requires a change to the base word. While students are working, monitor student groups, provide feedback, and identify students who may require additional support.
This assessment requires students to have phonetic knowledge of and experience examining word parts (base word + suffix) to correctly decode words with suffixes. Additionally, students should have experience with words that require a spelling change when a suffix is added (e.g., have to having). This knowledge is acquired through practice and experience with reading words with a variety of suffixes. Observe and document whether students accurately apply phonetic knowledge while decoding the words. This type of word work can occur in all modalities to support all learning styles.
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 on building a strong vocabulary through teaching specific Latin roots and their English derivatives, affixes, prefixes, and suffixes.