Prefixes: un-, re-, pre-Grade 3 English for Kids

Un-, re- and pre- change what a word means.

Prefixes: un-, re-, pre- teaches third graders that a prefix at the start of a word changes its meaning: un- means not, re- means again and pre- means before. Kids build and type new words and use them in sentences.

  • Grade 3 · Ages 8–9
  • 4 games
  • 27 practice questions
  • About 15 min
  • Hear and Type
  • Add the Prefix
  • What Does It Mean?
  • Prefix Sentences

English typing course · Grade 3

Prefixes: un-, re-, pre- · Learning goals

What Your Child Will Learn

A prefix goes at the start of a word and changes its meaning: un- means not, re- means again and pre- means before.

  • Hear and Type
  • Add the Prefix
  • What Does It Mean?
  • Prefix Sentences

Why it matters

Why This Matters for Kids

  • Unlocking new words

    Knowing prefixes lets kids work out the meaning of unfamiliar words like unkind or reread.

  • Vocabulary growth

    A few prefixes help kids understand hundreds of words.

  • Reading comprehension

    Word-part knowledge is a proven strategy for understanding harder texts.

Inside Prefixes: un-, re-, pre-

How the Course Works

Short typing games: kids hear or see each word, type it, and get instant, friendly feedback.

  1. Step 1 · Game

    Hear and Type

    Listen and type words with prefixes. Hear a word and type it. (8 exercises)

  2. Step 2 · Game

    Add the Prefix

    Type the missing prefix: un, re or pre. Fill in the missing letters. (8 exercises)

  3. Step 3 · Game

    What Does It Mean?

    Hear the meaning, then type the word with a prefix. Hear a word and type it. (6 exercises)

  4. Step 4 · Game

    Prefix Sentences

    Type sentences with prefix words. Hear a sentence and type it. (5 exercises)

Word list

Grade 3 Words and Sentences to Type

A sample of what your child hears, reads and types in this course.

  • undo(verb)
  • unhappy(adjective)
  • unlock(verb)
  • unfair(adjective)
  • redo(verb)
  • reread(verb)
  • replay(verb)
  • preview(verb)
  • untie(verb)
  • unkind(adjective)
  • refill(verb)
  • rewrite(verb)
  • preheat(verb)
  • unsafe(adjective)
  • rebuild(verb)
  • preschool(noun)
  • “Please retell the story.”
  • “The door is unlocked.”
  • “I had to redo my work.”
  • “It is unsafe to run here.”
  • “We preheat the oven.”

For parents

Try It at Home

Learning sticks best when kids use it in real life. Here are simple ideas from this course.

Parent Tip

Take a word like "do" and see how many new words you can make with prefixes: undo, redo, predo... Talk about which ones are real words.

Prefixes: un-, re-, pre- · Questions from parents

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this course for?

Prefixes: un-, re-, pre- is a grade 3 english course for kids ages 8–9. That is Year 4 english in the UK and Year 3 in Australia. It also works well for review in the next grade, or as a challenge for a confident younger learner.

What will my child learn?

A prefix goes at the start of a word and changes its meaning: un- means not, re- means again and pre- means before. Along the way they practice: Hear and Type; Add the Prefix; What Does It Mean?; Prefix Sentences.

How long does the course take?

About 15 minutes in total, split into 4 short levels. Most kids finish it over two or three sessions. Progress is saved, so they can stop any time and pick up where they left off.

Is this course free?

Yes. Prefixes: un-, re-, pre- is one of the first 2 courses in Grade 3 English. Create a free parent account and your child can start right away.

Does my child need to read well to use it?

No. Every word and sentence is read aloud first, and kids type what they hear. Spelling and reading grow together as they play.

Can we use it for homeschool?

Yes. SkillBloom is built for homeschooling families. Kids work through lessons, games and quizzes on their own, and the parent dashboard shows what they finished and which skills need more practice. It works on phones, tablets and laptops.

Keep learning

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