CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.4b
The Standard
Use frequently occurring affixes as a clue to the meaning of a word.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to notice small word parts added to the beginning or end of a base word, then use those parts to make a smart guess about meaning. In first grade, keep it simple with endings and beginnings like re-, un-, -ful, -less, and -er.
Mastery looks like a student saying, “Reread means read again because re- means again,” or “Careless means not careful.” Students often get stuck when the base word changes, when the word is unfamiliar, or when they guess from the whole sentence instead of using the word part.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on activity: Give students base word cards and affix cards, then have them build words, read them, and act out the meanings.
- Discussion prompt: Ask, “How does the meaning change when we add re- to play, read, or make?”
- Quick assessment: Show three words, unsafe, helpful, and teacher, and ask students to circle the word part and explain the meaning.
- Real-world connection: During read-aloud, stop at a word like remake or joyful and have students use the word part to explain it.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.4b
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What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.4c
Use a known root word as a clue to the meaning of an unknown word with the same root (e.g., addition, additional).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.4b
Use common, grade-appropriate Greek and Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., photograph, photosynthesis).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.4b
Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., precede, recede, secede).