A suffix is added to the end of a word. Some suffixes start with a vowel (-ing, -ed, -er, -est, -able). Others start with a consonant (-ful, -less, -ly, -ment, -ness).
Let's learn
- Sort suffixes into vowel suffixes and consonant suffixes.
- Notice: most spelling rules only apply to vowel suffixes.
- Add consonant suffixes without changes: hope + ful = hopeful, care + less = careless.
- Read: joyful, quickly, treatment, kindness.
Watch out for
- Applying the drop-e rule to consonant suffixes (“hopful”).
Make it fit your reader
- Easier: Sort only five suffixes.
- Harder: Add three suffixes to the word “help”.
Practice activity
- Suffix sort: sort ten suffix cards into vowel and consonant piles.
- Word builder: add -ful, -less and -ness to five base words.
Tip for grown-ups: Keep practice short and cheerful: 10 to 15 minutes is plenty for young readers. Praise effort, let your child point to the words, and stop while it is still fun.