CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.3.3b
The Standard
Decode words with common Latin suffixes.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to read longer words by spotting common Latin suffixes such as -able, -ible, -tion, -sion, -ment, -ous, and -ly. They should break the word into base word and suffix, say each part, then blend it smoothly and check that it makes sense in the sentence.
Mastery looks like reading words like enjoyment, washable, action, and nervous without guessing from the first few letters. Students often get stuck when the base word changes, like decide to decision, or when suffixes look alike, like -tion and -sion.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs word cards and suffix cards, then have them build, read, and sort words by suffix pattern.
- Ask students to explain how the suffix changes the word in helpful, careful, and careless.
- Use a one-minute word list with mixed suffix words and mark whether students decode by parts or guess.
- Have students find three suffix words on a cereal box, book page, or classroom poster and read them aloud.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.3.3b
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- 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).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.2.3d
Decode words with common prefixes and suffixes.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.4b
Use common, grade-appropriate Greek and Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., telegraph, photograph, autograph).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.4b
Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., audience, auditory, audible).