New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) Early Childhood Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Knowledge of prefixes is important in early literacy primarily because they can change the meaning of a root word. Understanding prefixes allows young learners to expand their vocabulary and comprehend more complex words by recognizing how prefixes alter the meaning when added to base words. For instance, the prefix "un-" can be added to "happy" to create "unhappy," indicating a change from a positive to a negative state. This skill not only helps in building vocabulary but also enhances reading comprehension and language development, as children learn to decode and make sense of unfamiliar words. Recognizing prefixes empowers students to infer the meanings of new words, thereby fostering independent reading and learning.