Vocabulary Worksheet · Grades 3–5
Suffixes Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 3-5 that builds the habit of breaking words into parts. Students attach suffixes to ten base words and then explain what the suffix means in six more familiar words. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Vocabulary
Grades
Grades 3–5
Skill Focus
Suffixes, word parts
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Suffixes work the same way prefixes do, but from the other end of the word. When a student can recognize that -less means without or that -ful means full of, a new vocabulary word becomes a base word the student already knows with a familiar ending.
Section A is a builder drill: students combine a base word with a suffix and write the new word on the line. The ten items use the most classroom-useful suffixes: -ness, -er, -ly, -less, -ful, -est, -ion. Section B reverses the move; students read a complete word and write what the suffix contributes to the meaning.
The reference box at the top of page 1 defines suffix and shows two example combinations along with a list of other common suffixes. Page 2 is a compact two-column answer key.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and have students share one more example word for each common suffix.
Work Section A independently as a 5-7 minute warm-up; remind students about spelling changes such as happy to happi before -ness.
Move to Section B and model the first item together; emphasize peeling off the suffix to reveal the base word.
Use the answer key on page 2 for self-check or aide spot-check.
Pair with the Prefixes Worksheet and the Root Words Worksheet for a complete word-parts unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 2 pages · Answer Key
Suffixes Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 3-5 that builds the habit of breaking words into parts. Students attach suffixes to ten base words and then explain what the suffix means in six more familiar words. A complete answer key is included.
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Teaching this topic?
Read: Teaching Prefixes and Suffixes
A step-by-step guide for grades 3–5 teachers: why affixes are high-leverage, the prefixes and suffixes to teach first, the break-define-combine routine, and the spelling traps.