Don't Suffer if You're Stuck on Suffixes!

This week the students learned the meaning of the most frequent suffixes used. They learned just as in a prefix, a suffix is a group of letters that change the meaning of a root word. However, suffixes are added to the end of a word.

-ly (doing something in a certain way) ie. sadly (doing something in a sad way)
-less (without) ie. hopeless (without hope) endless, homeless, careless, thoughtless
-ness (being) ie. darkness, kindness, greatness, brightness, happiness
- ful (full of) ie. truthful (full of truth) beautiful, peaceful, careful
-er (someone who does) teacher, driver, boxer, singer,
-est (comparing meaning the most) ie. kindest, softest, loudest, quietest,

However, they also found out there are plenty of new rules to learn as well when using them! Rules for: CVC doubling, Silent E, and words ending with 'y'.

1. CVC-Consonant doubling: If you add a suffix that starts with a vowel, and it is a CVC word, double that last consonant. (run+er=runner)
2. Y RULE-Changing y to i:When the suffix starts with a vowel and there is a consonant before the ‘y’, drop the ‘y’ add i (happy+est=happiest, fly+=flier)
- Vowel+y just add the suffix-play+er=player
3. SILENT E- When a word ends in silent e, take out the silent ‘e’ and add the suffix if it starts with a vowel (er, est, ing) ie. make+ ing=making
-If suffix starts with a consonant,(ness, ful, less) just add suffix.
ie. Hope+ful=hopeful

Oh the English Language is always full of such crazy rules! Here is a website that does a great job explaining each rule and it also provides examples.
Suffix Rules
Suffix Jeopardy

Remember, the homework and the morning work sheet your child brings home on Monday is a review of what we are learning. You can always check that for any clarification.

Finding the theme in BIG CHICKENS

After a reading lesson on theme, or the main message the author is trying to tell, we read the March book of month Big Chickens. Next, students were told to think about the lessons the characters learned and what they felt the theme of the book was. Students learned that good readers can argue what made them decide on the theme by providing specific details in the story that led them to believe this. Posted above are several students who did a great job of writing the theme and explaining what details from the story supported their thinking.

This assignment is a simple way children can respond to a book. However, it is an extremely meaningful way to encourage children to think deeper about a story. Please encourage your child to always think about the theme as they read and explain what led them to this conclusion.

Destination Success

A new wonderful resource is now available for your use. Below is a link to the Duval County supported website, Destination Success By clicking the link and logging in, you will gain access to many games and activities focused on developing your child's reading skills. Then, I can see what you have done and work with you on the things you need help with! This site is provided to our school free of charge, and we are encouraging everyone to utilize it!

To login:Username: firstname+lastname+264 (all lowercase and no spaces)Password: 2 digit birth month+2 digit birth day (no spaces)

Enjoy these free and SUPERB resources!

What to relearn your prefixes?

Welcome to the wonderful world of prefixes! This week we have been learning the meaning of most common prefixes. These short several letters can have a huge effect on the meaning of a root word. Here is a review of the prefixes we are learning. Also, we learned the rules to using certain prefixes such as: il, im, ir.

dis (not): dislike, disagree, disappear
im (not): impolite, immature, impossible
in (not): incorrect, incomplete, inappropriate
un (not): unplug, unsure, unaware
re (again): rewrite, retell, return
pre (before): preview, pretest, prehistoric
mis (wrong): misspelled, misunderstood, mistreated

*Use il- before words starting with l. So not legible = illegible.
*Use ir- before words starting with r. So not relevant = irrelevant
*Use im- before words starting with m but also with p.


Are you ready to play some games to test your skills? Remember you don't want to have a disadvantage when it comes to taking a quiz on this so practice away!

Prefix fact sheet and quiz
Prefix jeopardy
Prefix matching meanings
More prefix matching games

Honoring our Troops

In class today we read the new book of the month, The Impossible Patriotism Project. The story is about one young boys struggle to think of a way to show patriotism for his class project. During the story we noticed how the main character dealt with his problems and frustrations. However, through his continued thinking he finally got an idea and a little inspiration from his heart.

One way to encourage your child to show patriotism is by visiting the website, Lets Say Thanks. Here you can select and send digital postcards that were actually created by students around the United States to show our appreciation for their sacrifices and hard work.

The post below is the website you can visit and give your appreciation! How cool is this?

Let's Say Thanks

Send thanks to our troops

Edgar's New Folder on the Blog

With all the wonderful letters from Edgar I decided to give him his own spot on my blog! This way, it is easier to keep an update on his life. You can now just click and see all of his letters and trips.

If you look on the right side of my blog under Class Updates, you will see his folder. It is called, "Edgar Grams." Once you click on it you can see all the exciting adventures he is having out at sea. Thank you again Mr. Smith for taking the time to show Edgar all around and help him with his typing.

Remember, our class Chet bear is here in the classroom. If you are planning any trips please give a comment on this post or let me know so you can take Chet along with you. He told Mrs. Tsengas and I he needs more excitement in his life.