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Session 21: Suffixes

Session Title

Suffixes – Extending Word Power

Objective

  • Understand what a suffix is and how it changes the form or meaning of a word.

  • Learn common suffixes such as -ing, -ed, -ly, -ful, -ness, -er, -less.

  • Practice identifying and using suffix words in real-life contexts.

  • Encourage creativity and self-expression through interactive group activities.

Topics/Concept

  • A suffix is a group of letters added at the end of a word to change its form or meaning.

  • Common Suffixes and Examples:

  • -ing → play → playing

  • -ed → jump → jumped

  • -ly → quick → quickly

  • -ful → help → helpful

  • -ness → happy → happiness

  • -er → teach → teacher

  • -less → hope → hopeless

Material Required

  • Whiteboard and markers

  • Flashcards with base words and suffixes

  • Chart showing suffix rules and examples

  • Printed worksheets

  • Props or image cards (optional for activities)

Methodology

  • Activity-based and experiential learning

  • Group-based collaboration

  • Language in use through speaking, writing, and acting

  • SEL Integration: confidence, empathy, cooperation

Session Duration

 90 Minutes

Introduction Activity (25 minutes)

Concept Building 

Objective:

Introduce the concept of suffixes with simple, relatable examples.

Steps:

1. Start by asking: “What happens when we say play and playing? Are they the same?”

2. Write words on the board and break them down:

play + ing = playing

help + ful = helpful

jump + ed = jumped

quick + ly = quickly

3. Highlight that the base word stays the same but the suffix changes its meaning or function.

Interactive Element:

Give students 5 base words (e.g., run, happy, use, teach, quick). Ask them what happens if we add -ing, -ful, -ly etc.

Main Activity (30 minutes)

Suffix Skit Challenge 

Objective:

Use theater and expression to understand suffix meanings.

Instructions:

1. Divide students into small groups.

2. Assign each group a suffix and give 1–2 base words.

e.g., Group 1: -ing (jump, cook), Group 2: -ful (help, care), etc.

3. Each group creates a mini skit (1–2 minutes) showing how the suffix word is used.

4. Perform for the class. Others guess the suffix and say the new word.

Example Ideas:

  • A student is jumping repeatedly: “She is jumping!”

  • Someone helps a friend pick up books: “That was helpful!”

  • Someone speaks politely: “He spoke kindly.”

Wrap-up Discussion:

  • “What word did your group show?”

  • “How did the suffix change the meaning?”

Follow up task (25 minutes)

Suffix Sorting & Sentence Writing 

Objective:

To practice word formation and sentence creation using suffixes.

Part A: Suffix Sorting Game (10 minutes)

  • Mix base word cards and suffix cards.
  • In pairs/groups, students match them to make correct words.

Examples:

  • care + ful = careful

  • teach + er = teacher

  • run + ning = running

Part B: Sentence Writing Practice (15 minutes)

  • Provide a worksheet with 6–8 newly formed words.
  • Students write sentences using each.

Examples:

  • “I am running to the park.”

  • “She is a great teacher.”

  • “We were happy about the news.” → “We felt happiness.”

Peer Review:

  • Let students share 1–2 sentences with a partner.
  • Give one compliment for their sentence.

Review Questions/Assessment/Tasks (10 minutes)

Quick Quiz:

  • “What is a suffix?”

  • “What word do we get if we add -ly to slow?”

  • “Give me a word with -less!”

Expected Learning  Outcome

Knowledge building

  • Students will understand how suffixes modify base words.

  • Recognize common suffixes in speech and writing.

Skill Building

  • Create new words using suffixes.

  • Use suffix words correctly in sentences.

  • Work collaboratively and build confidence in communication.

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