Chameleon Prefixes: IN- to IL-, IR- Assimilated Prefixes Spelling Activities
Some prefixes are “chameleons”—they change or assimilate their spelling to make words easier to say. Chameleon Prefixes Set 2 focuses on two powerful spelling shifts students encounter in upper elementary and middle school:
✅ in- → il- (before l)
✅ in- → ir- (before r)
This resource helps students stop guessing and start applying a clear, reliable rule—so words like illegal, illogical, irregular, and irresponsible become easier to read, spell, and understand.
Description
Some prefixes are “chameleons”—they change or assimilate their spelling to make words easier to say. Chameleon Prefixes Set 2 focuses on two powerful spelling shifts students encounter in upper elementary and middle school:
✅ in- → il- (before l)
✅ in- → ir- (before r)
This resource helps students stop guessing and start applying a clear, reliable rule—so words like illegal, illogical, irregular, and irresponsible become easier to read, spell, and understand.
⭐What students will learn
- What a chameleon prefix is and why the spelling changes
- How to choose in-, il-, or ir- based on the first letter of the base word
- How to apply the rule in word study, spelling, vocabulary, and reading
- How to explain their thinking to build strong, transferable skills
📚What’s included
Perfect for whole-group instruction, small groups, intervention, centers, or tutoring:
- Anchor Chart / Rule Poster: kid-friendly explanation of in- → il- / ir-
- Word List Page: high-utility il-/ir- words for reference + practice
- Word Sums / Mini Matrix Practice: build words and show the change (in- + base → il-/ir- + base)
- Word Sort(s): closed sort + matching sort (base word → whole word)
- Sentence Reading Practice: sentences with chameleon-prefix words in context
- Nonfiction Passage + Comprehension Questions and Cloze Passage: supports decoding + meaning + morphology in authentic text
- Game (Print & Cut): low-prep practice that reinforces correct spelling + quick definitions
- Answer Key(s) for easy teacher use
Why teachers love it
- Explicit, structured literacy-friendly routine (teach → sort → build → read → apply)
- Great for older struggling readers who need predictable spelling patterns
- Strengthens spelling accuracy AND vocabulary—not just memorization
- Ideal for morphology instruction and multisyllabic word work
Best for (Grades 5+)
- Upper elementary and middle school ELA
- Intervention / RTI / MTSS
- Dyslexia support and structured literacy settings
- Vocabulary + spelling support for multisyllabic words
- Word study warm-ups, centers, and tutoring sessions
❤️-Related Products–
Morphology Cloze Reading Passages Prefixes, Suffixes, Latin Roots, Greek Forms
Morphology Early Reader Comprehension Passages for Prefixes, Suffixes, Roots
Morphology Activities Writing Prompts for Prefixes
–About The Literacy Nest, LLC–
The Literacy Nest, LLC creates multisensory activities to use with reading intervention for struggling readers. Many of these dyslexia resources can be used as dyslexia activities, dyslexia strategies, or to support an Orton-Gillingham program or dyslexia intervention program. These Orton-Gillingham activities can be used in 1:1 support, small group, or even whole class settings. Thank you for checking my store for Orton-Gillingham based resources! Follow my store by clicking the green star next to my name so you don’t miss out on any new products, freebies, or sales!
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