1. Pop Lists
What
Students generate lists of words with various roots and affixes (prefixes and
suffixes). A prefix is an element placed at the beginning of a word to adjust or
qualify its meaning, for example de-, non-, and re-. A suffix is an element placed
at the end of a word to form a derivative, such as -ation, -fy, -ing, frequently one
that converts the stem into another part of speech.
Why
Research shows the importance of building children’s vocabulary. One study
has shown that a set of 20 prefixes and 14 roots, and knowing how to use
them, will unlock the meaning of over 100,000 words. A similar study showed
that a set of 29 prefixes and 25 roots will give the meaning to over 125,000
words.
How
Use the "listing method" as a quick activity to reinforce roots and
affixes. Creating lists also provide hearty practice for struggling learners.
Try these lists...
• Make a list of “ing” words
• Make a list of "tion" words
• Make a list of "at" words
• Make a list of "able" words
• Make a list of "ph" words
• Make a list "oi" words
• Make a list of "ible" words
• Make a list of "sion" words
After students have made their lists, compare them as a class to find out:
• What are the words?
• Who has the most unique words?
Use this data to form your next lesson or differentiate assignments.