Activities to Teach Students to Determine the Meaning of a Word With -able or -ment
As students advance in their reading and vocabulary levels, they will come across words with suffixes such as -able and -ment. These suffixes alter the meaning of a base word and can assist readers in identifying and comprehending the meaning of unfamiliar words. There are numerous activities that educators can use to teach students how to determine the meaning of a word with -able or -ment.
1. Word Sorts
Word sorts are an excellent way to help students label and categorize words with -able or -ment. Provide students with a list of words, and have them sort them into two categories: words with -able and words with -ment. Encourage students to actively look for words that share these endings and identify patterns in their meanings. This hands-on activity helps develop phonological and morphological awareness, which is essential for vocabulary growth.
2. Word Analysis
Word analysis is a strategy that helps students identify the meaning of a word based on its structure while making connections to its base. Provide students with a base word, such as “agree,” and a list of words that contain -able or -ment. Encourage students to analyze the words and identify the meanings by breaking down the structure of the word into its semantic parts. For example, agreement is a compound word consisting of “agree” and “ment,” which stands for the act of agreeing.
3. Building Vocabulary
Building a robust vocabulary is essential for students to become successful readers. Engage students by creating a vocabulary quiz that focuses on words with -able and -ment. Provide students with multiple definitions of words and ask them to match them with the correct word. Moreover, include a word bank with words that contain -able or -ment to help students form associations between the suffixes and their base words.
4. Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension is an essential skill that students need to become successful readers. Incorporate reading passages into your lesson plan that contain words with -able or -ment. Read the passages out loud, ensuring that students are following along. Then, have students work in pairs or small groups to identify the meanings of words and discuss how they figured out the meanings. This activity promotes cooperative learning and encourages collaboration.
In conclusion, vocabulary development is a crucial component of becoming proficient readers, and activities that help students learn how to determine the meaning of words with -able or -ment are essential. These activities engage students in hands-on learning experiences that promote vocabulary growth, phonological and morphological awareness, and reading comprehension. By implementing these strategies, educators can facilitate student learning, helping them become active and competent readers.