Prefixes for Kids: A Simple Guide with Activities & Printable Lists
Here’s a straightforward way to explain prefixes to children, along with examples, fun activities, and a free printable list.
What Are Prefixes?
A prefix is a small group of letters added to the beginning of a word. By adding a prefix, we can create a new word with a slightly different meaning. For example, the prefix re- means “again,” so when we add it to the word do, we get a new word–redo, which means “to do again.” Another example is the prefix un-, which means “not.” When added to the word happy, we get the new word unhappy, meaning “not happy.”
Why Learning Prefixes Is Important for Young Readers
Learning prefixes is a fantastic way to grow a child’s vocabulary. Understanding prefixes can help young readers break down new words and figure out their meanings. This can boost confidence in reading and helps with reading comprehension.
By learning just a few prefixes, children can create and understand many new words. For example, by knowing the prefix pre- (meaning “before”), they’ll recognize words like preschool (“before school”) and preview (“see before”).
Helpful Tips When Teaching Prefixes
- The most common prefixes are usually one- to -two syllables.
- The meaning of a prefix stays the same regardless of what word it’s added to.
- When a prefix is added to a word, the spelling of the base word typically stays the same.
- Prefixes are often used to say things more concisely. For example, rather than saying “I don’t agree with that,” you can say “I disagree.”
Common Prefixes and Their Meanings
Here are some of the most common prefixes that kids encounter. Each prefix has its meaning listed and can help form many words when added to a base word.
Prefix | Meaning | Example Words |
anti- | against | antibacterial, antifreeze, antivirus |
auto- | self | autobiography, autopilot, autograph |
bi- | two | bicycle, bilingual, biweekly |
co- | together or with | cooperate, coauthor, coexist |
de- | off or remove | defrost, deactivate, decode |
dis- | opposite of | disagree, dislike, disappear |
en-/em- | cause to | enable, embrace, empower |
ex- | out or former | exit, exhale, exchange |
in-/im- | not | incorrect, impossible, inactive |
inter- | between or among | interact, international, interview |
micro- | small | microscope, microchip, microorganism |
mis- | wrong or badly | misplace, misunderstand, misspell |
multi | many | multicolor, multitask, multimedia |
non- | not or without | nonsense, nonstop, nonfiction |
over- | too much | overcook, overload, overheat |
pre– | before | preview, preschool, preheat |
re- | again | rewrite, redo, replay |
semi- | half or partly | semicircle, semiannual, semifinal |
sub- | under or below | submarine, subway, subzero |
super- | above or beyond | superhero, supervisor, superhuman |
trans- | across or through | transport, transmit, translate |
tri- | three | triangle, tricycle, tripod |
un- | not | unhappy, undo, unequal |
uni- | one | unicycle, uniform, unicorn |
#1 Downloaded Kids’ Education App in the U.S.
The ABCmouse app includes so much more than learning the alphabet. You and your child will find 10,000+ games and activities designed by curriculum experts to nurture math and reading skills, along with an extensive digital library and so much more. Our research-back curriculum focuses on preschoolers through second graders.
Then just $14.99 a month until canceled
Engaging Activities for Learning Prefixes
These activities can help make learning prefixes a fun and interactive experience. Here are some ideas to try at home or in the classroom:
- Matching Games: Create a matching game where kids match prefixes with words or definitions. For example, pair re- with do to create redo or un- with do to create undo.
- Prefix Hunt: When reading books or even signs along the road, look for prefixes and challenge your child to spot as many as possible as they read.
- Prefix Flashcards: Use flashcards with a prefix on one side and example words on the other. This helps reinforce both the meaning of the prefix and its application in words.
- Word Creation Challenge: Encourage kids to create their own words by adding prefixes to familiar words. How many words can they make with ex- or im-?
- ABCmouse Prefix Activities: ABCmouse offers interactive resources for learning prefixes, with games and fun exercises designed to reinforce prefix learning. Here are a few examples:
Prefix (and Suffix) Worksheets
This collection of worksheets spotlights these key word parts and provides a fun way for children to grow their understanding of them.
Austin and Scout: The Well of Prefixes
In this game, children help Austin and Scout escape an ancient well by choosing the correct prefix and root word to complete sentences. Note: This game requires an ABCmouse subscription to play.
-
Cute Thanksgiving Coloring Pages for Kids
Explore 100+ free printable Thanksgiving coloring pages designed for kids of all ages! From turkeys to cornucopias, these engaging illustrations add creativity to your holiday celebrations…
-
Thanksgiving Turkey Coloring Pages for Kids (Free Printables)
Indulge in a wonderland of colors with these free printable Thanksgiving Turkey Coloring Pages. Catering to a spectrum of age groups and skill levels, these 50…
-
Thanksgiving Easy Coloring Pages for Toddlers & Preschoolers
Grab these 20 easy and delightful Thanksgiving Coloring Pages, designed for the little hands of toddlers and preschoolers. With simple yet engaging illustrations ranging from cheerful…
-
Free Thanksgiving Dinner Printable Coloring Pages for Kids
Engage young minds in the Thanksgiving celebration with our collection of free printable Thanksgiving Dinner Coloring Pages. Featuring scenes from family gatherings to delectable pies, these…
-
Free Printable Thanksgiving Bingo Card Activity
Add a sprinkle of playful competition to your Thanksgiving gathering with our free Printable Thanksgiving Bingo Card Activity. With cards adorned with seasonal icons, this game…
-
Easy Thanksgiving Craft for Kids: Egg Carton Turkey
Embark on a whimsical crafting journey creating Colorful Butterflies using simple materials. This delightful activity not only nurtures creativity but also brings a slice of nature’s…