Today we will be learning about prefixes, suffixes, and base words, also called root words.  Prefixes, suffixes, and base words are the different parts of the puzzle that make up a word.  Let's look at what each of these words mean.

• A prefix is a letter or a group of letters added at the beginning of a word that changes the word's meaning.
• A suffix is a letter or a group of letters added at the end of a word that changes the word's meaning.
• A base word is the root of the word.  It can stand alone and still have meaning when the prefix or suffix is removed.

I have a fun video clip for you to watch.  It is the Prefix, Suffix, and Root Word Rap.  Don't get frustrated it you can't follow along as fast as the rapper raps-he talks very fast and I had a hard time following as well.  If you feel you need to, watch the clip a couple of times until you feel more comfortable.

Next I have a couple of different links for you to some games that I want to you to play.  These will help you get more comfortable using prefixes, suffixes, and base words.  The first link will take you to a site with several different games.  You can start with the first ones, and work your way up to the harder ones.  The most important thing is to have fun and get used to using the different puzzle pieces that make up a word.

Go to this link for the first set of games :  http://www.aasd.k12.wi.us/staff/boldtkatherine/ReadingFun3-6/ReadingFun_PrefixesSuffixesRoots.htm#Base/Root_Words

The second game is a little more challenging, but I know you can do it!  You will be given a base word, and you will choose what you think it means from four possible answers.  This will help you when you have a word that you are reading that you don't understand.  If you can take apart part of the word, and look at the part you do know, you will probably be able to guess what the whole word means.

Go to this link for the second game: http://www.prefixsuffix.com/rooty.php?navblks=1011000