Affixes

What are Affixes?

Affixes are word parts added to a base word that change how a word sounds and what it means.

• A prefix is added to the beginning of a word

• A suffix is added to the end of a word

When an affix is added, it usually:

1. Adds another syllable to the word

2. Changes the meaning of the word

For example:

• brush → brushes

• fair → unfair

This unit is the first time students focus on two-syllable words, helping them move beyond single-syllable decoding and into longer, more meaningful words. They will practice a set of very common prefixes and suffixes they will see again and again in reading.

Suffixes include:

• -es (plural or present tense), as in foxes

• -ed (past tense), as in boasted

• -ing (ongoing action), as in running

• -ly (how something is done), as in kindly

• -y (describing), as in sunny

Prefixes include:

• dis- (not or opposite), as in distrust

• un- (not or opposite), as in unfair

• im- / in- (in or into), as in import and inject

• re- (again or back), as in replay

Students are also introduced to the schwa sound, which is the most common vowel sound in English. It can sound like a short i (as in puppet) or a short u (as in banana).

These make up the most frequently used prefixes and suffixes in English, meaning students can apply this knowledge across many subjects and texts.

What a Lesson on Affixes Might Look Like

At this stage, your child's teacher will support them through understanding that:

• Each syllable contains one vowel sound

• Longer words can be broken into smaller, manageable parts

• Word parts carry meaning, not just sound

They will use Hoot Wise Words books and the whiteboard to practice breaking words down into syllables and connecting sound and meaning together. They will then read Hoot Decodable passages to reinforce these patterns and practice fluency in decoding.

Why this Skill Matters

By learning how affixes work, children gain the ability to decode longer words without guessing and apply meaning to the words they read. This helps open the door to reading words in other subjects, like science or social studies, and supports children as they begin reading to learn new information.

Resources Used in Lesson to Teach Affixes

Hoot Wise Words | -es

Hoot Decodables | Brushes and Patches