3.8 Explicitly Teach the Suffix '-est'

The suffix '-est' is a morpheme that can be added to adjectives and adverbs to show the greatest amount or degree of something. With younger students, we teach that '-est' means the best or the most. For example, the word fastest means "the most fast."

When we add the suffix '-est to a word, it does not change the part of speech. For example, the word easy is an adjective; and when we add -est to make easiest, it remains an adjective. Therefore, suffix ‘-est’ is an inflectional suffix.

At the end of a word, the suffix '-est' is pronounced /ĭst/.

Since both '-er' and '-est' are used to show comparison, they're a good pair to introduce together.

When you first introduce the suffix '-est', it's helpful to use base words that remain unchanged when you add a suffix. This means using words that do not require doubling of the final consonant, as in biggest, or dropping of a magic 'e', as in nicest. Using base words with two consonants after a short vowel helps ensure the suffix can simply be added without changes. Here are some examples of these words:

• Words with ending blends, like soft and cold
• Words that end with digraphs, like rich and fresh
• Words that end with glued sounds, like strong and grand
• Words that follow the FLoSS(Z) rule, like dull and tall
• Words that end with '-ck', like quick and thick
• Words with r-controlled vowels, like smart and hard

These word choices not only simplify the addition of '-est' but also allow students to review previously taught phonics patterns. Find more words in the Suffix '-est' List of Words, Phrases, and Sentences for Lesson Planning (opens in new window).

Say,

Show the students the suffix '-est' flash card. 

Say, 

Students repeat,

Write the word tall on the board. 

Say,

Students respond,

Say,

Everyone repeats,

Say,

Students respond,

Say,

Now, grab your suffix '-est' flash card. 

Say,

Say and have students repeat,

Write the word rest on the board. Say,

Write the word soft on the board. Have students read the word.

Now add the suffix '-est' to the word. Ask students to read the new word.

Write on the board: That rug is the softest one here. 

Have students read the sentence aloud together.

Say,

Write the following words on the board one at a time and have students read them aloud chorally: smart, quick, and long.

Then add the suffix '-est' to each word and have students read the new words. Discuss how the meaning of the word changed when you added the suffix. 

Try the Reading Universe's lesson plan! This explicit teaching example aligns with the Reading Universe printable lesson plan for the suffix '-est' (opens in new window). You'll find dictation practice in the lesson plan and an explanation of how this works in Dictating Words with Suffixes.