What is Morphemic Knowledge? Why is is important?

Morphemic Knowledge is the knowledge of word structure. Linguistic units that are combined to create words. This is important to give words new meanings and make sure words are used grammatically correct.

Tips for Parents: How can I reinforce Morphemic Knowledge at home?

• Correct over generalizations by modeling
• Use repetition to reinforce key words
• When using tense, explain why you used the word that way
• Have children create a list of words in their past, present, and future tense
• Read their writing aloud to them and see if they think it makes sense.
• Give positive feedback when they use correct grammar

Books & Activities:

Infant/ Toddlers:

1. Thats Not My Puppy
2. Pat The Bunny
3. Love You Forever

• Modeling correct language use
• Use familiar songs and sing along
• Model  verbs in different tenses. Ex: The puppy is runING

 

Preschooler:

1. Red Sled
2. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
3. Freight Train

• Use comparatives. Ex: Which one is faster, or fastest?
• Mark books in the book that use past tense. Explain why the word was used correctly.
• Speak about the book together, Correct any over generalization they use and tell them what would be a better way to use the word.

Kindergarten: 

1. The Napping House
2. Pete The Cat
3. Martha Speaks

• Use blocks to create new meanings for words.
• Use letter beads to string words with the same root, but different endings
• Play prefix BINGO

 

Primary Age:

1. Thank You, Mr. Falker
2. The Giving Tree
3. The Seven Silly Eaters

• Create prefix Palettes for words from the text
• Create Ice Cream Scoops to work on word endings
• Use flash cards to work on using the right prefix