teaching resource

Four In A Row Vocabulary Game - Suffixes

  • Updated

    Updated:  20 Apr 2023

Practice matching words to their common suffixes and build vocabulary with a suffix vocabulary game.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  7 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  3 - 5

Tag #TeachStarter on Instagram for a chance to be featured!

teaching resource

Four In A Row Vocabulary Game - Suffixes

  • Updated

    Updated:  20 Apr 2023

Practice matching words to their common suffixes and build vocabulary with a suffix vocabulary game.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  7 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  3 - 5

Practice matching words to their common suffixes and build vocabulary with a suffix vocabulary game.

Build New Words By Adding Suffixes

If you want to show that something is possible, you add -able to its end…

As in debatable

If you want to show that something is missing, you add -less to its end…

As in powerless

These additions are suffixes—a letter or group of letters attached to the end of a word that changes its meaning.  

Through this activity, players will practice adding common suffixes to words by choosing a card and reading the word. They’ll then identify a matching suffix for the word on the game board and cover it with one of their manipulatives. The player who connects four squares in a row first is the winner!

The suffixes students will match to root words are:

  • -less
  • -able
  • -ment
  • -ful

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by providing visuals like an anchor chart or affixes poster

Challenge fast finishers who understand the concepts to write sentences with suffix words. They can also define the meaning of the suffix, root word, and new suffix plus root word. 

Get our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies here! 

Even More Opportunities For Wordsmithery With Our Suffixes Game

We created this resource for your reading center as an independent practice activity. We also suggest using it to reinforce your small group and full-class lessons in the following ways: 

✏️ Write the Room (Scoot Activity)

Hang sheets of chart paper around the room and post a word card above each one. Individually, or with a partner, have students rotate around the room, adding a correct suffix on the paper to create a new word. Project the game board for reference, if needed. Words may be used only once.

💥 Swat! 

During small group instruction, create a grid of 4 cards on top of a table and give each student a fly swatter. Provide a suffix that fits with one of the visible word cards. The first student to swat the suffix’s matching word sets the card aside in a pile to keep score. The student with the most cards wins. 

🔤 Alphabetical Order

As students play the game, challenge them to alphabetize their word cards. Once the game is over, have players work together to sort all words on the cards into ABC order. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.


This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Need help affixing concentration to your affixes presentation? Your students are going to like these activities:

Image of Adding Suffixes - Vocabulary Worksheet

teaching resource

Adding Suffixes - Vocabulary Worksheet

Review concepts related to suffixes with a printable grammar worksheet.

Teach Starter Publishing2 pagesGrades: 2 - 4
Image of Which Suffix is it? - Task Cards

teaching resource

Which Suffix is it? - Task Cards

Practice using suffixes in sentences with a set of suffix task cards.

Teach Starter Publishing6 pagesGrades: 3 - 4
Image of Suffix Bingo - Vocabulary Game

teaching resource

Suffix Bingo - Vocabulary Game

Match words with suffixes to their meaning in this BINGO game.

Teach Starter Publishing1 pageGrades: 3 - 5

0 Comments

Write a review to help other teachers and parents like yourself. If you'd like to request a change to this resource, or report an error, select the corresponding tab above.

Log in to comment

You may also like