Derivational suffixes change a lot about the base words they're added to: part of speech, spelling, accent, and even sounds. These verb suffix games for -EN, -IZE, and -IFY go beyond suffix worksheets with game centers that help students understand what each suffix means and how it turns base words into verbs like straighten, visualize, and classify.
The games are aligned to Words Their Way: Word Sorts for Derivational Relations Spellers (3rd Edition), Unit 2, Sort 11, 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
Vocabulary Playground Board Game (Partner Game)
Students take turns drawing cards that send them to different stops along the game board path, where they complete a vocabulary task with their word. Every stop asks students to think about what the word means and how it is used.
- Teacher directions
- Vocabulary Playground game board
- Game cards
- Student-friendly directions
- Recording sheet
- Answer key
Affix Spin & Fill-In (Independent Activity)
Students spin for a suffix or a clue, then find a sentence on the word board that needs that suffix and fill in the missing suffix to complete the word.
- Teacher directions
- 3 word boards with 48 sentences
- 2 spinners with student-friendly directions
- 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.
