Session 20: Prefixes

Session Title	Prefixes – Understanding and Implementation
Objective	Understand what a prefix is and how it changes the meaning of a word. Learn and identify common prefixes: un-, re-, dis-, mis-, pre-, non-, over- Practice using prefix-based words in speech, writing, and performance. Encourage communication, creativity, and confidence through interactive activities.
Topics/Concept	A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning. Common Prefixes and Examples: un-: unhappy, unfair, untidy re-: redo, replay, rewrite dis-: dislike, disconnect, disappear mis-: misbehave, misplace, misunderstand pre-: preview, preheat, preschool non-: nonfiction, nonstop, nonliving over-: overeat, overcook, overuse
Material Required	Whiteboard and markers Flashcards with prefixes and root/base words Prefix rule chart Worksheet with fill-in-the-blanks and sentence-writing Props (optional) for theater skits (like books, food pics, toys)
Methodology	Interactive, activity-based learning Group work and peer interaction SEL integration: collaboration, empathy, self-confidence Use of language in real-life context through drama and writing
Session Duration	90 Minutes

Introduction Activity (20 minutes):

Concept Building

Objective:

To introduce the meaning and function of prefixes.

Steps:

Begin with a question: “What does unhappy mean? Can you find the smaller word inside it?”

Use the whiteboard to break down words:

un + happy = unhappy
re + play = replay
dis + like = dislike

Highlight how the meaning changes when a prefix is added.

Ask students to suggest more examples they’ve heard or read.

Main Activity (30 minutes):

Prefix Skit Time

Objective:

To use roleplay and drama to help students grasp the meaning of prefix-based words.

Instructions:

Divide the class into groups of 3–4
Assign each group a prefix and give them 2–3 base/root words
Groups create a short skit (1–2 minutes) showing the meaning of the new word
They perform the skit without saying the actual word
The rest of the class guesses the word
After guessing, the group says the word and uses it in a sentence

Examples for skits:

A child looking sad: “She’s unhappy.”
Someone writing again after making a mistake: “He had to rewrite it.”
A student misplacing a toy: “He misplaced his ball.”
A person eating too much food: “He overeats every day!”

Wrap-Up Discussion:

Ask, “Which word did you like the most?”
“Was it easy to act the meaning?”

Follow up task (30 minutes):

Prefix Practice Worksheet

Objective:

To reinforce prefix usage in writing and comprehension.

Part A: Fill in the blanks with correct prefixes

Examples:

1. ___kind → unkind

2. ___play → replay

3. ___connect → disconnect

4. ___place → misplace

5. ___heat → preheat

6. ___behave → misbehave

7. ___stop → nonstop

8. ___cook → overcook

Part B: Write 3 sentences using new words

Examples:

“We had to rewrite the homework.”
“He misbehaved during lunch.”
“They preheated the oven.”

Students pair up and read their sentences to each other
Encourage giving one positive feedback to their partner

Review Questions/Assessment/Tasks (10 minutes):

“What is a prefix?”
“Can you give an example of a word with dis-?”
“What does re- mean?”

Expected Learning Outcome:

Knowledge building:

Understand and identify prefixes and how they change word meanings.
Recognize common prefixes in everyday language.

Skill Building:

Confidently use prefix words in writing and speaking.
Work collaboratively in groups.
Improve sentence construction and vocabulary application.