Objectives:

Students will comprehend the function of prefixes and how they alter the meaning of base words.
Students will recognize and utilize the prefixes bi-, non-, and over- to construct words.
Students will practice reading and writing words with these prefixes in their spelling list.

Materials:
Whiteboard
Visual aids (examples of words with bi-, non-, and over- prefixes)
Spelling word list:

  • overnight
  • bicycle
  • nonstop
  • overdue
  • overlook
  • biweekly
  • overflow
  • nonsense
  • oversee
  • overheard
  • nonfiction
  • overconfident
  • nonfat
  • overdone
  • biplane

Introduction (5 minutes):

Define prefixes as sets of letters added to the beginning of base words to change their meaning.
Explain that today’s focus is on the prefixes bi-, non-, and over- and their impact on base words.

Theocratic Connections:

Understanding prefixes and word structures can aid in understanding the meaning of words encountered in Bible texts.

Activity 1 – Introduction to Prefixes (9 minutes):

Present examples of base words and their corresponding words with bi-, non-, and over- prefixes on the whiteboard. Practice pronouncing and identifying the prefixes.

Explain that the prefix “bi-” means two or twice. (e.g. We can say we have biweekly meetings at the Kingdom Hall, because we have meetings twice a week.)
Explain that the prefix “non-” means not or no.  (e.g. If we say a quart of milk is nonfat, we are saying that milk has no fat in it. Or if we could say a rock is nonliving, because it is not alive.)
Explain that the prefix “over-” means too much, above or extra. (e.g. If we say that someone is overconfident, we are saying that they have too much confidence. Or if we describe the weather as being overcast, we are saying there are clouds above the city blocking out the sun.)

Activity 2 – Practice with Prefixes (7 minutes):

Show examples of words with bi-, non-, and over- prefixes and discuss their meanings. Practice forming words by adding these prefixes to base words.

Activity 3 – Application of Prefixes (7 minutes):

Present sentences with words containing bi-, non-, and over- prefixes. Practice constructing sentences using words with these prefixes, focusing on their altered meanings.

Conclusion (2 minutes):

Summarize key points: Prefixes are added to base words to change their meanings. Today, we focused on the prefixes bi-, non-, and over-, learning how they alter words to express two or twice, not or no, and too much, above or extra.
Encourage students to practice reading and writing words with these prefixes to reinforce their understanding.

Assessment:

Informally assess students through participation in prefix identification activities, their ability to form words with prefixes, and their comprehension of the meanings conveyed by words with prefixes.