Grade 1 Suffixes — Printable No-Prep Worksheet

This worksheet provides targeted practice for first-grade students on using common suffixes. Learners complete five sentences by adding the correct suffix (-ing, -ed, -s) to a root word, strengthening their understanding of how affixes change words. It's an ideal tool for reinforcing foundational language skills.

At a Glance

• Grade: 1 · Subject: ELA
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.4.b — Use common affixes to understand word meaning.
• Skill Focus: Suffixes and Root Words
• Format: 1 page · 5 problems · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Independent practice or center work
• Time: 5–10 minutes

What's Inside

This resource is a single-page PDF designed for immediate use. It features a clear 'Suffix Bank' and five numbered root words for completion. The layout is simple, requiring students to match the correct suffix to each root word. A complete answer key is provided for quick grading.

A Zero-Prep Workflow

Designed for the busy classroom, this worksheet is a true zero-prep tool.

• Print (<1 min): The resource is a single, printer-friendly page.
• Distribute (<1 min): With clear instructions, it can be handed out for immediate student engagement.
• Review (<5 min): Use the included answer key to review the five problems with the class.

This process makes it excellent for substitute plans, morning work, or a quick skill check.

Standards Alignment

This worksheet aligns with Common Core standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.4.b, where students 'Use frequently occurring affixes as a clue to the meaning of a word.' The task provides direct practice with this concept. The code can be copied directly into lesson plans.

How to Use It

Use this worksheet for independent practice after a lesson on suffixes, or as a learning station activity. For a formative check, observe which students correctly apply the suffix rules. The activity should take approximately 5-10 minutes for a student to complete.

Who It's For

This resource is ideal for first-grade students exploring word parts. It also suits advanced kindergarteners or second graders needing review. For extra support, complete the first problem together. It pairs well with a root word anchor chart.

This worksheet provides focused practice on CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.4.b, helping students use common affixes to decode word meaning. By manipulating suffixes like '-ing', '-ed', and '-s', learners engage in a process that is fundamental to morphological awareness—a key predictor of reading comprehension. Research from Fisher & Frey (2014) highlights the importance of this type of explicit word analysis, showing that direct instruction in morphology improves vocabulary and literacy outcomes. The five structured problems on this sheet offer a concise application of that principle, allowing teachers to quickly assess a student's ability to apply affix rules. This type of skill-specific task supports the gradual release of responsibility model, moving students toward independent application of grade-level language standards and better preparing them for more complex texts.