Prefixes: un- and re-
The Spark
Concept
A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning. 'Un-' means 'not' or the opposite (unhappy = not happy). 're-' means 'again' (rewrite = write again). Knowing prefixes helps readers decode unfamiliar multisyllabic words quickly.
Activity
Ask your child what 'unhappy' means. Then ask: what does the 'un-' part do? Try 'redo' — what does the 're-' part tell us? See if they can guess the meaning of 'unfinished' and 'replay' before explaining.
Check
Can your child correctly add un- or re- to a base word and explain the new meaning? Can they use both types of words in their own sentences?
Match Word to Meaning
Draw a line to match each prefixed word to its correct meaning.
Sort by Prefix
Sort these words into the correct column based on their prefix.
Which Prefix Fits?
Circle the correct prefix to make a real word.
___ + happy = ___happy
___ + write = ___write
___ + lock = ___lock (to open a lock)
___ + build = ___build (build again)
___ + kind = ___kind (not kind)
___ + fill = ___fill (fill again)
Contraction or Prefix?
Draw a line to match each base word to the correct prefixed word.
Add the Prefix and Explain
Add 'un-' or 're-' to each base word. Write the new word and its meaning.
Base word: do → New word: ___ Meaning: ___
Base word: lock → New word: ___ Meaning: ___
Base word: place → New word: ___ Meaning: ___
Base word: cover → New word: ___ Meaning: ___
Base word: heat → New word: ___ Meaning: ___
Real Word or Not a Word?
Sort each made-up or real word into the correct column.
What Does It Mean?
Circle the correct meaning for each word.
unhappy
reread
unkind
reload
Spot the Base Word
Underline the base word in each prefixed word. Then write the base word on the line.
unfinished → base word: ___
replay → base word: ___
unknown → base word: ___
recycle → base word: ___
untidy → base word: ___
refill → base word: ___
Match: Sentence to Missing Word
Draw a line to match each sentence to the word that best completes it.
Write Sentences Using Prefixed Words
Write a sentence using each word below. Make sure your sentence shows you understand the meaning.
Write a sentence using 'unexpected'.
Write a sentence using 'reread'.
Write a sentence using 'unhelpful'.
Sort: un- Means 'Not' vs re- Means 'Again'
Sort each word into the correct column based on what the prefix means.
Choose the Right Word
Circle the word that best completes each sentence.
The teacher asked us to ___ our work after making mistakes.
The door was ___ so nobody could get in.
The story was so good I wanted to ___ it straight away.
It was ___ of him to take the last piece without asking.
Add un- or re- and Use in a Sentence
Add un- or re- to make a real word, then use it in a sentence.
tie → ___tie Sentence: ___
build → ___build Sentence: ___
sure → ___sure Sentence: ___
Put the Word-Building Steps in Order
Number the steps 1–4 to show how to build a prefixed word correctly.
Match: Prefixed Word to Its Two Parts
Draw a line to match each prefixed word to the way it was made.
What Does un- Do to These Words?
Read the base word and its meaning. Then add un- and write the new meaning.
safe (free from danger) → unsafe: ___
well (feeling healthy) → unwell: ___
true (correct) → untrue: ___
fair (treating people equally) → unfair: ___
Tip: How Prefixes Work
A prefix is a group of letters added to the BEGINNING of a word. 'Un-' means NOT or the opposite. 'Re-' means AGAIN. When you see a long word, look at the beginning first — does it start with un- or re-? If so, you can often work out the meaning straight away!
- 1Write un- in red and re- in blue on a card and stick it near your workspace
- 2When you read today, tap the page every time you spot an un- or re- word
- 3Say the base word first, then add the prefix aloud — hear how the meaning changes
- 4Ask a family member: what does 'redo' mean? What about 'undo'?
True or False?
Read each statement. Circle TRUE or FALSE.
'Un-' always means 'again'.
'Rewrite' means to write again.
'Unhappy' means very happy.
Prefixes are added to the beginning of a word.
'Replay' means to play again.
Create Your Own Prefix Examples
Think of two base words that work with un- and two that work with re-. Write the new words and their meanings.
un- + ___ = ___ Meaning: ___
un- + ___ = ___ Meaning: ___
re- + ___ = ___ Meaning: ___
re- + ___ = ___ Meaning: ___
Sort the Sentence Halves
Match the beginning of each sentence (left) to the correct ending (right) by writing the letter.
Spark: Prefix Scavenger Hunt
Go on a prefix scavenger hunt around your home and neighbourhood this week!
- 1Find 3 words with un- in a book, magazine or food packet
- 2Find 3 words with re- on signs, packaging or instructions
- 3Write each word found in a 'Word Parts' notebook
- 4Choose your favourite word found and use it in a sentence at dinner
- 5Draw a picture that illustrates one un- word and one re- word
Words That Work with Both Prefixes
Some base words can take BOTH un- and re-. Write both new words and explain how their meanings differ.
Base: read → un+read = ___ re+read = ___ How are they different?
Base: do → un+do = ___ re+do = ___ How are they different?
Base: load → un+load = ___ re+load = ___ How are they different?
Sort by Base Word Type
Sort the prefixed words by the type of base word they contain.
Which Sentence Uses the Word Correctly?
Circle the sentence that uses the underlined word correctly.
unkind
reread
rebuild
Change the Meaning with a Prefix
Each sentence has a word in brackets. Add un- or re- to change the meaning, then rewrite the sentence.
The work was [finished], so we went home early. → Rewrite: ___
She [filled] the empty glass with water. → Rewrite: ___
The path through the forest was [known]. → Rewrite: ___
Match the Opposite
Draw a line to match each word to its un- opposite.
Use Context to Work Out Meaning
Read each sentence. Use context clues to write what the bold word means.
The road was __uneven__, with holes and bumps everywhere. Meaning: ___
After the fire, they had to __reconstruct__ the entire building. Meaning: ___
The treasure map showed a path through __unexplored__ jungle. Meaning: ___
She decided to __reconsider__ her answer before handing in the test. Meaning: ___
Sort: Does un- Mean 'not' or 'reverse the action'?
Un- can mean 'not' (unhappy = not happy) OR it can reverse an action (unlock = reverse locking). Sort each word.
Prefix Word Web
Choose one base word that works with BOTH un- and re-. Write it in the centre. Add the un- word to the left, the re- word to the right. Write a sentence for each.
Base word chosen: ___
un- + base = ___ Sentence: ___
re- + base = ___ Sentence: ___
Pick the Best Word
Circle the word that best fills the gap in each sentence.
The athlete trained hard to ___ the world record.
It was ___ of her not to say thank you.
We had to ___ the tent and pack it away.
He could ___ the chapter whenever he forgot the details.
Write About a Character
Write 3–4 sentences about a character who is unkind but later becomes kind again. Use at least one un- word and one re- word.
Your sentences:
Tip: Testing New Prefix Words
Not every base word works with un- or re-! Here is how to test: say the new word aloud, use it in a sentence, and ask — does this make sense? Would a real person say this?
- 1Test: does 'unrun' make sense? What about 'rerun'?
- 2Test: does 'unheat' work? What about 'reheat'?
- 3Test: does 'unswim' work? Explain why or why not
- 4Write 3 words you tested and explain which worked and which didn't
Sort: Longer Prefix Words
Sort these longer words into the correct prefix column.
Decode Longer Words
Each word below is long and tricky. Underline the prefix, circle the base word, and write the meaning.
unexpected → prefix: ___ base: ___ meaning: ___
rearrange → prefix: ___ base: ___ meaning: ___
uncomfortable → prefix: ___ base: ___ meaning: ___
reconsider → prefix: ___ base: ___ meaning: ___
unreliable → prefix: ___ base: ___ meaning: ___
Match the Long Word to Its Meaning
Draw a line to match each longer word to its meaning.
Prefix or Not?
Some words look like they have a prefix but don't — the letters are just part of the word. Circle whether each word has a real prefix.
uncle — does it have the un- prefix?
unkind — does it have the un- prefix?
ready — does it have the re- prefix?
reread — does it have the re- prefix?
reef — does it have the re- prefix?
Paragraph Using Prefix Words
Write a paragraph of 4–5 sentences about a time something went wrong and had to be done again. Use at least three words with un- or re-.
My paragraph:
Prefix words I used: ___
Spark: Prefix Story Map
Create a short illustrated story map where the main character has to UNDO something and then REDO it better.
- 1Draw 4–6 story boxes showing the sequence of events
- 2Include at least one un- word and one re- word as labels in your map
- 3Write a one-sentence caption under each box
- 4Share your story map with a family member and tell the story aloud
- 5Turn the story map into a written story if time allows
Match the Word to the Right Sentence
Draw a line to match each word to the sentence it best fits.
Explain to a Younger Child
Imagine you are teaching a Year 1 student about prefixes. Write an explanation using simple language and two examples.
My explanation of what un- means:
My explanation of what re- means:
My two examples: ___ and ___
Sort by Meaning Change
Sort each pair into the correct column.
Tip: Prefix Awareness in Reading
Every time you read this week, pause when you see a long word and ask: does it have a prefix? Strip the prefix off and see if you know the base word. This is one of the most powerful reading strategies for Year 3!
- 1Mark two prefix words you find in your reading today
- 2Write them in your word notebook with their meanings
- 3Try to use one in your writing today
- 4Tell a family member one new prefix word you found
Write a Dialogue Using Prefix Words
Write a short conversation (dialogue) between two characters. Include at least four words with un- or re-. Remember to use speech marks.
Your dialogue:
Prefix words used: ___
Sort: Formal vs Informal Use
Some prefix words suit formal writing; others are common in everyday speech. Sort each word.
Select the Most Precise Word
Choose the best word from the options to make each sentence as precise as possible.
The scientist had to ___ the experiment when the first results were wrong.
The building was ___ after many years of neglect.
The team had to ___ their strategy after losing the first game.
Spot the Error and Fix It
Each sentence below has an incorrect prefix word. Identify the error and rewrite the sentence correctly.
She wanted to unheat her soup before eating it. → Correct: ___
The children were told to relock the door when they left. → Correct: ___
It was very reckind of him to share his lunch. → Correct: ___
Match: Prefix Word to Its Category
Draw a line to match each word to the category that best describes how the prefix changes the meaning.
Compare un- and dis-
The prefix dis- also means 'not' or 'the opposite of' (disagree, dishonest). Compare it to un-. How are they similar? How are they different?
One way un- and dis- are similar: ___
One way they might be different: ___
Three words with dis-: ___, ___, ___
Sort Into Three Groups
Sort the words into three groups based on how the prefix changes the word.
Prefix Words in Informational Text
Read this short informational passage and answer the questions. PASSAGE: Recycling is the process of collecting and reprocessing materials so they can be reused instead of being thrown away. Without recycling, many usable resources would remain unused and end up in landfill. Communities that reorganise their waste systems often find that costs are reduced and environmental impact is lessened. Scientists have found that unrestricted dumping of waste is unsustainable and must be reconsidered.
List 5 words in the passage that have the prefix un- or re-: ___
What does 'reprocessing' mean? Use the prefix to help you: ___
What does 'unsustainable' mean? Use the prefix to help you: ___
Write a sentence using one prefix word from the passage: ___
Identify the Sentence with Correct Prefix Use
Three sentences are shown for each question. Circle the ONE that uses the prefix word correctly.
rearrange
unexpected
Letter Writing with Prefix Words
Write a short letter (5–6 sentences) from one friend to another about something unexpected that happened. Use at least three prefix words (un- or re-). Set it out as a real letter with a greeting and sign-off.
Your letter:
Spark: Prefix Word Collection
Start a running Prefix Word Collection this week — the more unusual words you find, the better!
- 1Find 2 un- words and 2 re- words you have never used before
- 2Write each word, its meaning, and a sentence using it
- 3Try to use one new prefix word in conversation or writing each day
- 4Challenge: find a prefix word in a science or social studies text
- 5At the end of the week, count how many prefix words are in your collection
Advanced Sort: Prefix + Base Word Type
Sort each prefixed word by what type of base word it comes from.
Create a Word Glossary
Write a mini-glossary of 6 prefix words. For each word write: the word, the prefix, the base word, and the definition. Set it out alphabetically.
1. Word: ___ Prefix: ___ Base: ___ Definition: ___
2. Word: ___ Prefix: ___ Base: ___ Definition: ___
3. Word: ___ Prefix: ___ Base: ___ Definition: ___
4. Word: ___ Prefix: ___ Base: ___ Definition: ___
5. Word: ___ Prefix: ___ Base: ___ Definition: ___
6. Word: ___ Prefix: ___ Base: ___ Definition: ___
Which Meaning Fits the Context?
Read the sentence. Choose the meaning that best explains how the prefix word is used.
The archaeologist uncovered an ancient vase buried in the sand.
The coach asked the team to replay the final minute of the game.
The map showed an unexplored region in the far north.
Prefix Word Invention
Invent three new words using un- or re- and a base word (real or made-up). Write the word, its meaning, and use it in a funny sentence.
New word 1: ___ Meaning: ___ Sentence: ___
New word 2: ___ Meaning: ___ Sentence: ___
New word 3: ___ Meaning: ___ Sentence: ___
Tip: Prefix Words Across Subjects
Prefix words appear in every subject — not just English! Here are some examples: recycle (science), rearrange (maths), unexpected (reading). This week, look for prefix words in maths, science or social studies.
- 1Find one un- or re- word in a maths or science text
- 2Write the word, where you found it, and what it means in that context
- 3Discuss: does the prefix work the same way in this subject as it does in English?
- 4Share your cross-subject prefix word with a family member
Write a News Report Using Prefix Words
Write a short news report (5–7 sentences) about an event — real or made up. Include at least four un- or re- words. Use a headline and past tense.
Headline: ___
Report:
Prefix words used: ___
Sort: Prefix Word Register
Sort these prefix words by the type of writing they are most likely to appear in.
Prefix Word and Its Opposite
Draw a line to match each un- word to a re- word that relates to correcting or reversing the same situation.
Reflect: What Have You Learned About Prefixes?
Write a short reflection (3–4 sentences) about what you have learned about the prefixes un- and re-. Include: what each prefix means, how they change words, and how knowing prefixes helps you as a reader and writer.
My reflection:
Spark: Prefix Picture Dictionary
Create a personal prefix picture dictionary with at least 10 un- words and 10 re- words.
- 1Write each word clearly at the top of a small box or card
- 2Write the definition in your own words underneath
- 3Draw a small picture or symbol to help remember the meaning
- 4Organise the cards alphabetically
- 5Revisit the dictionary when writing and add new words as you find them
Analyse a Poem for Prefix Words
Read any short poem or song lyrics and search for prefix words. Write down each one you find, identify the prefix and base word, and explain how it contributes to the meaning or effect of the poem.
Poem/song title or source: ___
Prefix word 1: ___ Prefix: ___ Base: ___ Effect in the poem: ___
Prefix word 2: ___ Prefix: ___ Base: ___ Effect in the poem: ___
Prefix word 3: ___ Prefix: ___ Base: ___ Effect in the poem: ___
Advanced: Sort by How Many Syllables
Sort each prefixed word by the number of syllables it has.
Word Family Tree
Choose one base word and build a full word family tree. Add: the plain word, the un- form, the re- form, any -ed or -ing forms of the re- word, and any other related words.
Base word: ___
All related words I can make: ___
Sketch the word family tree below:
Precise Prefix Choice in Complex Sentences
Choose the word that is most precise for each sentence.
The council voted to ___ the old town hall, which had been damaged in a storm.
The scientist described the ancient virus as ___ by modern medicine.
After reading the contract twice, the lawyer asked to ___ it before advising her client.
The explorer was excited to enter the ___ cave system deep in the mountains.
Compare Two Characters Using Prefix Words
Write a paragraph comparing two characters (from a book you are reading, or invented). Use at least 5 prefix words with un- or re-. Underline each prefix word.
Character 1 name: ___ Character 2 name: ___
My comparison paragraph:
Prefix words used: ___
Design a Prefix Challenge Card
Design a challenge card that you could give to a younger student to teach them about un- and re-. Include: a definition for each prefix, three example words each, and one activity for them to try.
un- means: ___ Examples: ___, ___, ___
re- means: ___ Examples: ___, ___, ___
Activity for younger student: ___
Sort: Australian Curriculum Year 3 Prefix Words
Sort these Year 3 spelling list words that contain prefixes into the correct column.
Extended Writing: A Story About Starting Over
Write a story of at least 8–10 sentences about a character who has to start something over (rebuild, rewrite, rethink, or redo something). Use at least 6 words with un- or re-. Give your story a title, a problem, and a resolution.
Title: ___
My story:
Prefix words I used: ___
Spark: Teach It Back
The best test of understanding is being able to teach someone else. Teach a family member everything you know about the prefixes un- and re-.
- 1Plan a short 5-minute lesson to teach un- and re- to a family member
- 2Create a quiz of 5 questions to test your student at the end
- 3Use examples from your own reading and writing to illustrate the lesson
- 4After the lesson, write one thing your 'student' found tricky
- 5Celebrate completing this worksheet — you are now a prefix expert!
Prefix Word Sentences: Foundational Review
Write one sentence using each of the words below. Make sure your sentence clearly shows the meaning of the prefixed word.
unhelpful: ___
reconsider: ___
unaware: ___
reorganise: ___
Sort Prefix Words: Positive or Negative Meaning?
Adding un- usually creates a negative meaning. Adding re- usually creates a neutral or positive one. Sort each word.
Choose the More Precise Word
Circle the more precise word that best fits each context.
The scientist had to ___ the conditions before the experiment could restart.
The results were ___: they did not match any previous study.
After the criticism, she decided to ___ her opening paragraph.
The road was ___ — full of potholes and cracks.
Write a Paragraph Using Only un- Words
Write a paragraph of 4–5 sentences where EVERY descriptive word uses the prefix un-. Challenge yourself to use as many different un- words as possible.
My un- paragraph:
How many different un- words did I use? ___
Match: Prefix Word to Its Etymology Clue
The prefix 're-' comes from Latin meaning 'again' or 'back'. 'Un-' comes from Old English meaning 'not'. Draw a line to match each word to the language origin of its prefix.
Write a Persuasive Argument Using Prefix Words
Write a short persuasive argument (5–6 sentences) about why recycling is important. Use at least 4 words with the prefix re- (e.g. reuse, recycle, reprocess, reduce, renew).
My persuasive argument:
re- words I used: ___
Sort: un- Words by How Common They Are
Some un- words are very common in everyday speech. Others are more formal or rare. Sort each word.
Create a Prefix Quiz
Write a quiz of 6 questions about prefixes un- and re- that you could give to a classmate or family member. Include the answers.
Q1: ___ A: ___
Q2: ___ A: ___
Q3: ___ A: ___
Q4: ___ A: ___
Q5: ___ A: ___
Q6: ___ A: ___
Prefix Words in Science
Science is full of prefix words! Read the clues and use un- or re- to figure out the word.
To use a resource again rather than throw it away: re___
When scientists repeat an experiment to check the result: re___
An ecosystem that has not yet been explored or studied: un___
To reassemble something that was taken apart for study: re___
A species not yet known to science: un___
Prefix Reflection: My Learning Journey
Reflect on everything you have learned about the prefixes un- and re- across this worksheet. Write a paragraph of 5–6 sentences.
What I knew before: ___
What I learned: ___
How this helps me as a reader and writer: ___
Tip: Prefixes Build Vocabulary Exponentially
When you learn ONE prefix, you unlock the meaning of DOZENS of words. Learning un- helps you understand every un- word you ever meet. Learning re- does the same. Keep a running list of prefix words you encounter — by the end of the year, you will have hundreds!
- 1Start a Prefix Word Collection notebook today
- 2Add every un- or re- word you encounter this week
- 3At the end of the week, count how many you found
- 4Challenge: can you find a prefix word in every room of your home?
- 5Share your best find from this week with a family member
Final Challenge: Prefix Story
Write a story of 8–10 sentences about a character who discovers a hidden talent after many failed attempts. Use at least 8 prefix words with un- or re-. Give your story a title, a problem, and a resolution. Underline every prefix word.
Title: ___
My story:
Prefix words I used: ___
Spark: Prefix Word Art Exhibition
Create a Prefix Word Art Exhibition! Make illustrated word cards for your 10 favourite un- and re- words. Display them as an exhibition at home.
- 1Choose 5 un- words and 5 re- words that you find most interesting
- 2Create an illustrated card for each: word, meaning, sentence, illustration
- 3Arrange them as an exhibition on a table or pinned to a wall
- 4Give a guided tour to a family member
- 5Vote: which word card is the most creative? The most informative?
Prefix Words Across the Week
Record every un- or re- word you encounter across one full week. At the end, write a summary of what you found.
Monday — prefix words found: ___
Tuesday — prefix words found: ___
Wednesday — prefix words found: ___
Thursday — prefix words found: ___
Friday — prefix words found: ___
Total words found: ___ Most interesting word: ___
Summary: what did you notice about where prefix words appear?
Final Matching: Advanced Prefix Words
Draw a line to match each advanced prefix word to its correct meaning.
Prefix Words: My Top 10
Choose your personal top 10 favourite prefix words (un- or re-). Rank them 1–10. Write a sentence for each that proves you understand its meaning.
1. ___ Sentence: ___
2. ___ Sentence: ___
3. ___ Sentence: ___
4. ___ Sentence: ___
5. ___ Sentence: ___
Prefix Challenge: Negative or Action?
Circle whether each prefix word expresses a NEGATIVE meaning or an ACTION/CHANGE meaning.
unkind
rewrite
unhappy
rebuild
unfair
reuse
Sort: Prefix Words by Syllable Count
Sort these prefix words into groups by how many syllables they have.
Prefix Story: A Day of Un- and Re-
Write a short story (5–6 sentences) about a character who has to undo and redo things all day. Use at least six un- or re- words in your story.
My story title: ___
Story:
Prefix words I used: ___
Match: Prefix Meaning to Example
Draw a line from each prefix meaning to the best example word.
Prefix Spelling Check
Circle the correctly spelled word in each pair.
unkind or unkined?
rewrite or rewritte?
unhappy or unhappi?
rebuild or rebiuld?
unfair or unfaire?
remember or remmember?
Prefix Word Wall: Family Hunt
With your family, find 10 un- or re- words in books, magazines, packaging, or signs around your home. Record them on a family word wall.
- 1Search books, magazines, food labels and signs
- 2Write each word and where you found it
- 3Sort your finds into un- and re- columns
- 4Choose the most interesting find to share
- 5Display your word wall where everyone can see it
Prefix Expert: Teach a Younger Child
Write a simple explanation of prefixes un- and re- for a Year 1 student. Use examples, pictures (or descriptions of pictures), and a sentence in your own words.
My explanation for Year 1:
My example sentence: ___
What makes prefixes useful: ___
Order: From Root to Extended Prefix Word
Put these steps in order to show how to build meaning from a prefix word.
Sort: Prefix Words by Subject Area
Sort these prefix words into the school subject where you'd most likely find them.
Spark: Invent Your Own Prefix Words
Invent three new words using un- or re- that don't exist yet. Define each one, use it in a sentence, and explain why English needs this word.
Word 1: ___ Meaning: ___ Sentence: ___
Word 2: ___ Meaning: ___ Sentence: ___
Word 3: ___ Meaning: ___ Sentence: ___
Why English needs these words: ___
Spark: Prefix Podcast Episode
Record a 2-minute 'podcast' about prefixes un- and re-. Explain what they mean, give examples, and tell listeners why understanding prefixes helps with reading.
- 1Plan what you will say in 3 key points
- 2Record yourself speaking for 2 minutes
- 3Include at least 5 example words
- 4Listen back — did you explain it clearly?
- 5Write one sentence that summarises your podcast
Prefix Mastery: Final Reflection
Write a final reflection on everything you have learned about un- and re- prefixes. Include: what you know now, what surprised you, and how you will use prefix knowledge in your reading and writing from now on.
What I now know about prefixes un- and re-: ___
Something that surprised me: ___
How I will use this knowledge when I read or write: ___