There are many prefixes and roots that have unchanging meanings or meanings that occur with high frequency. It is useful to know the meaning of these prefixes and roots. Experience across a variety of classroom situations has shown that requiring students to memorize meanings of prefixes and roots is the least effective course to take. Students will learn these definitions by consistent use, modeling, and extension.

The following list of prefixes and roots is helpful. Roots come from other languages and cannot stand alone. You may find variations in spelling from different resources. These lists are not comprehensive. Teachers should feel free to add prefixes and roots as appropriate and necessary.

Denver Public Schools Secondary Education Literacy Tip #8

Return to the Secondary Literacy Page