Unit Plan 21 (Grade 2 ELA): Morphology Power – Prefixes, Suffixes & Word Attack
Second graders explore how prefixes and suffixes like un-, re-, -ful, -less, and -ly change word meanings. They decode, define, and use new vocabulary while mastering irregularly spelled words through interactive reading and writing practice.
Focus: Un-, re-, -ful, -less, -ly; base words/affixes; irregular spellings
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Foundational Skills • Language • Vocabulary)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Big words aren’t scary when you know their parts. This week, students learn how prefixes (front parts) and suffixes (end parts) change a base word’s meaning and sometimes its job in a sentence. We’ll build and read words with un-, re-, -ful, -less, -ly, use those parts to figure out meaning, and practice a small set of irregularly spelled words that don’t play by the rules.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Decode words with common prefixes and suffixes and read grade-level irregular words (RF.2.3d–f).
- Use prefix/suffix meanings to figure out a new word’s meaning and connect it to its base (L.2.4b–c).
- With support, use a glossary/child-friendly dictionary to confirm a word’s meaning (L.2.4d).
- Use newly learned words (including -ly adverbs and -ful/-less adjectives) in speaking and writing (L.2.6).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 2
- RF.2.3d–f, L.2.4b–d, L.2.6
Success Criteria — student language
- I can point to the prefix/suffix and name the base word.
- I can read and define a new word using its parts (replay = play again).
- I can spot an irregular word (said, were) and read it by sight.
- I can use my new words in a clear sentence.