Vocabulary Worksheet · Grades 3–5
Base Words Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 3-5 on base words: the complete word left after you remove any prefix or suffix, like play in replaying. Students write the base word for eight longer words, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
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Subject
Vocabulary
Grades
Grades 3–5
Skill Focus
Base Words, word parts
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
A base word is a complete word that can stand on its own before any prefix or suffix is added. When you take off the extra word parts, the base word is what remains, and knowing it helps with reading and spelling longer words. This worksheet teaches students to strip affixes and find the base word.
Section A gives eight longer words (replaying, thankful, darkness) and asks students to write the base word for each. The reference box teaches the idea with the base words kind and help, which are not reused in the items, and explains how a base word differs from a Greek or Latin root.
Section B asks students to define a base word, find the base in ‘unhappiness,’ explain how a base word differs from a root, and build two new words from ‘play.’ Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill supports prefixes, suffixes, and word study.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and model covering the prefix and suffix to find the base.
Complete Section A independently – have students remove the affixes one at a time.
Work Section B item 12 together: build two new words from the base ‘play’.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Prefixes Worksheet or the Suffixes Worksheet for a word-parts mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Base Words Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 3-5 on base words: the complete word left after you remove any prefix or suffix, like play in replaying. Students write the base word for eight longer words, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
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