Derivational suffixes change a lot about the base words they're added to: part of speech, spelling, accent, and even sounds. These adjective suffix games for -FUL, -OUS, and -IOUS go beyond suffix worksheets with sentence-based game centers that help students understand what each suffix means and how it changes words like cheerful, dangerous, and envious.
The games are aligned to Words Their Way: Word Sorts for Derivational Relations Spellers (3rd Edition), Unit 2, Sort 7, but they work alongside any word study or morphology program. They're designed for students at the beginning of the Derivational Relations stage, with words suited to upper elementary and early middle grades.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Connect 8 Board Game (Partner Game)
In this dice-rolling strategy game, students find base words in sentences on the game board where a suffix can be added or the part of speech changed. The 30 sentences give students the context they need to understand each word's meaning.
- Teacher directions
- Board game with 30 sentences
- Student-friendly directions
- Recording sheet
- Answer key
Match & Stack (Independent Activity)
Students match sentence cards containing base words and suffixes to the correct part of speech card. Then they add the word to a gridded mat, connecting it to other words much like a crossword-style building game.
- Teacher directions
- Game cards with 50 sentences
- Gridded word building mat
- Recording sheet
- Answer key
ALSO INCLUDED
- Black and white and color versions of everything
- Word list of all included words
- Answer keys for both activities
HOW THIS RESOURCE HELPS YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS
- Builds vocabulary and morphology skills along with spelling
- Sentence-based games show students how suffixes work in context
- Works for partner centers, small groups, early finishers, and independent practice
- Recording sheets build in accountability and quick assessment
- Uses the same game formats as the rest of Unit 2, so students don't have to learn new rules each week
- Ready to print and use with very little prep
Want every game in this unit? This game set is included in the Derivational Suffixes Unit 2 Derivational Relations Games Bundle | Adding Noun, Verb and Adjective Suffixes, so you can get all of the Unit 2 games together and save.
ABOUT THE DERIVATIONAL RELATIONS STAGE
This stage is where students begin connecting spelling with meaning on a deeper level. Typically spanning grades 4-6 and beyond, students at this level are proficient with foundational spelling patterns and ready to explore advanced word study concepts. Instruction focuses on prefixes, suffixes, derivational suffixes, consonant and vowel alternation, and the study of Latin and Greek roots. By analyzing how words are built, students strengthen spelling while expanding vocabulary and overall language skills.
NEED PRINTABLES FOR THE ENTIRE DERIVATIONAL RELATIONS LEVEL?
See the Derivational Relations Printable Bundle (contains all 4 resources)
Or, Shop By Activity:
- Word Study Notebook
- Word Searches
- Fill in the Blank Word List Activity
- Weekly Spelling Homework & Word Lists
Copyright © Tammy Roose, Tarheelstate Teacher.
The purchase of this resource gives the buyer permission to download and copy for single classroom use only. Electronic distribution is also limited to single classroom use. Copying for other teachers, school-wide use, or school systems is only allowed with the purchase of additional licenses.
