Prefixes

A prefix is a morpheme added to the beginning of a base.  Knowledge of prefixes is important, as a prefix can alter the meaning of a base.

When beginning instruction with prefixes, introduce them with known Anglo-Saxon bases.  Because Anglo-Saxon bases are common, everyday words, students already have the background knowledge needed to aid in the understanding of how the prefix changes the meaning of the Anglo-Saxon base.  For example, most students are familiar with the words like, happy, and turn.  When introducing prefixes, provide words such as dislike, unhappy, and return.  This type of scaffolded instruction better enables students to understand a prefix within the context of known bases.

Consider teaching the most common prefixes first, as they have the greatest implication for reading and writing.  According to Henry (2010) and Diamond and Gutlohn (2006), four prefixes account for 58% of all prefixed words in printed school English:  

1. un-             Meaning: not                      Example words: unfriendly, unhappy 
2. re-              Meaning: again, back        Example words: redo, return
3. in-              Meaning: not                      Example words: inactive, inattentive (The prefix in- can also mean “in, on, or toward.”)
4. dis-            Meaning: not, opposite       Example words: dislike, disagree (The prefix dis- can also mean “apart.”)

Beginning with these high-utility prefixes allows students ample opportunities to interact with them throughout a variety of contexts.

Refer to IMSE’s Morphology Teacher’s Guide for a list of morphemes. Also, remember to have students make a morpheme card each time a new morpheme concept is taught.