This ‘Make a Match’ game is a fun way for pupils in Year 3 to explore how word families are created by adding prefixes, suffixes or changing the tense of a word. Pupils will group the cards to show which words belong to the same family, linked by a common root word.
The game can be played as a class or in small groups and is perfect for adult led interventions to revisit key knowledge and skills.
What is a word family?
Word families are groups of words that are related to each other in a combination of having the same root word (with prefixes, suffixes or other words added to make compound words like superman), grammar and meaning. Words that change when written in the past and present tense (for example understand and understood) are also part of the same word family. A word root is a basic word with no prefix or suffix added. The words play, playful, playing and replay are all part of the same word family as they all have the same word root (play) and are related in meaning.
What are prefixes and suffixes?
Prefixes are groups of letters that are added to the beginning of words (for example un-, anti-, or re-) and suffixes are groups of letters added to the end for example -ly, -ment or -ing).
What is included in this word families resource pack?
- 14 root word cards
- 56 word family cards
- Answer sheet
- Teacher notes
National Curriculum English programme of study links
(from Appendix 2, Year 3)
To form word families based on common words showing how words are related in form and meaning.