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The Prefix DECA/DECI-: A FREE Morphology Lesson

Updated: Jun 28, 2024

Morphology is a powerful tool for teaching older students both decoding longer words and understanding new vocabulary words. We use prefixes to change the meaning of a word. Adding the prefix deca/deci- changes the meaning of the word. The prefix deca/deci- means ten.



prefix deci/deca example of decapod


Prefixes work with other roots to form words. Knowing the meanings of the prefixes and the roots can help us determine the meaning of a word.


In this lesson, you will teach students many things.


  1. prefixes come at the beginning of words

  2. prefixes can be combined with other roots

  3. prefixes and roots are not words, but they are units of meaning

  4. we use the prefix deca/deci- means ten


It is helpful for students to know the parts of speech as they work on morphology. If your students need to work on parts of speech, I highly recommend this writing program. It teaches writing complete sentences based on parts of speech. If you need to, you can even use these two programs at the same time.



writing complete sentences


Teaching the Prefix Deca/Deci-

To teach your students about the prefix deca/deci-, display the presentation below. You can access the presentation from this website for free. You can also purchase the slideshow for use at school.





I recommend focusing on the meaning of the words by having students write or say sentences.


  1. You display the vocabulary word with the prefix.

  2. Students discuss the meaning of the word and how it can be used in partners or small groups.

  3. You display the definition of the word. Some of the definitions include picture support.

  4. Students reflect on their understanding in partners or small groups. They should also discuss how the definition of the word makes sense with the meaning of the prefix.

  5. At the end of the presentations, have students choose one or two words and write example sentences that use context clues to show the meaning of the word.


This lesson is designed to last two days. You also get 15 mixed review practice slides to use later in the year.



Check out this list of words with the prefix. You can use this list to build your own activities for your classroom. You can also get a printable .pdf.


prefix deca word list



Do you love this lesson? You can access all of the morphology lessons for FREE on this website! You can also purchase the presentations!





the prefix deca/deci

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