Morphology is a powerful tool for teaching older students both decoding longer words and understanding new vocabulary words. We use the prefix un- to change the meaning of a word. The prefix -un makes a word mean the opposite of the base word. We only use the prefix un- with verbs and adjectives.
Luckily, we can add prefixes to base words without changing the spelling of the base word.
In this lesson, you will teach students many things.
- prefixes come at the beginning of words
- prefixes change the meaning of a word
- prefixes are not words, but they are units of meaning
- we use the prefix un- to mean the opposite of the base word
- we only use the prefix un- with verbs and adjectives
It is helpful for students to know the parts of speech as they work on morphology. If your students need to work on parts of speech, I highly recommend this writing program. It teaches writing complete sentences based on parts of speech. If you need to, you can even use these two programs at the same time.
Teaching the Prefix UN-
To teach your students about the prefix un-, display the presentation below. You can access the presentation from this website for free. You can also purchase the slideshow for use at school.
Since prefixes do not change the spelling of the base words, I recommend focusing on the meaning of the words by having students write or say sentences.
- You display a base word from the presentation.
- Students write the word with the un- prefix in their writing notebooks or on a whiteboard.
- You display the words with the prefix un- from the presentation (the next slide).
- Students say or write a sentence using the base word. Then, say or write a different sentence using the word with the prefix.
This is a spiral review lesson. On day one, your students will learn how to add the prefix un- to verbs. On day two, your students will learn how to add the prefix un- to adjectives and review verbs. The next three days are review practice. You also get 25 mixed review practice slides to use later in the year.
The Presentation on the Prefix UN-
Morphology: UN by Cate O’DonnellA video example of the presentation is coming soon!
More Morphology Practice
Do you love this lesson? You can access all of the morphology lessons for FREE on this website! You can also purchase the presentations!
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