Printable Common Prefixes Worksheets
Common prefix worksheets teach elementary students how word beginnings like un-, re-, dis-, and pre- change base word meanings. These printable practice pages feature prefix matching and answer keys.
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Structured, printable skill sheets with step-by-step guidance for Common Prefixes.
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un- and re-
Prefixes un- and re-
dis- and pre-
Prefixes dis- and pre-
mis-, non- and over-
Prefixes mis-, non- and over-
mis-, non- and over-
Finish words with mis-, non-, or over-
Identify the Prefixes
Circle the prefix, underline the root
Identify the Prefixes
Fill a table with prefix and root
Using Prefixes
Choose the prefix to finish sentences
About Common Prefixes
What this skill is
A prefix is a letter or group of letters attached to the beginning of a root word to modify its meaning (such as un- meaning not, re- meaning again, pre- meaning before, dis- meaning opposite of).
When children learn it
Determining the meaning of the new word formed when a known prefix is added to a known word is a core 2nd and 3rd grade standard (CCSS 2.L.4.b, 3.L.4.b).
Teaching Tips
- Check the root word: cover the prefix with your finger. Does a real, complete word remain? If you cover "re-" in "reread", you see "read" (a real word!). If you cover "un-" in "under", "der" is not a word, so it has no prefix.
Common Mistakes
- Mistaking initial letters of regular words for prefixes (like thinking the "un" in "uncle" is a prefix).
- Forgetting that prefixes change meaning but do not change the base word's part of speech.
- Misapplying negative prefixes (un- vs. dis-).
More Prefixes & Suffixes Concepts
Related Articles
- How to Teach Prefixes and Suffixes to Your Child
A prefix is a small word part added to the front of a word, and a suffix is one added to the end. Teach them by starting with the base word, then showing how each part changes the meaning: "happy" becomes "unhappy" and "help" becomes "helpful." Printable prefix worksheets let your child practice a few parts at a time, and a few minutes a day is enough.
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