Word Expedition Teacher Guide Word Expedition
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Duration 35 MIN
Learning Objective
Students will identify the meaning of the suffix "-eer" (a person who does a thing) and apply it to new vocabulary words through research and illustration.
Materials Needed
"The -eer Gear" Slide Deck
"Suffix Search Field Notes" Worksheets
Dictionaries (Print or Digital)
Drawing Paper & Markers
Vocabulary Bank
Volunteer: Does work for free.
Pioneer: First to explore.
Auctioneer: Sells items to bidders.
Buccaneer: A pirate/adventurer.
Musketeer: Soldier with a musket.
Mountaineer: Climbs mountains.
Puppeteer: Works with puppets.
Engineer: Designs/builds things.
Lesson Procedure
5m
The Warm-Up: Pattern Spotting
Write "Volunteer" and "Pioneer" on the board. Ask students to identify the common ending. Discuss what these people "do" (e.g., a volunteer volunteers their time).
5m
Video Viewing: Engineer & Device
Watch the Khan Academy video. Use the following pause points for discussion:
[0:55] Pause after the apple slicer. Ask for classroom "devices" (stapler, sharpener).
[1:30] Key Focus: Discuss the suffix "-eer". A person who does a thing.
[2:30] Pause before the box reveal. Have students predict the device's function.
20m
Main Activity: Suffix Search
Pairs use dictionaries to find other "-eer" words. They must:
Choose 3 words not discussed yet.
Draw a "blueprint" of the person in action.
Write a definition using the sentence frame: "A [word] is a person who..."
5m
Closure: Team Share
Each pair shares one word with the class. Create a "Suffix Squad" wall display with their drawings.
Differentiation & Extension
Support
Provide a word list for students who struggle to navigate a dictionary. Focus on literal meanings (e.g., mountaineer = mountain + eer).
Challenge
Ask students to write a story about an Engineer who creates a device for a Buccaneer .
The -eer Gear Slides The -eer Gear
Mastering the suffix that puts people in action!
Pattern Detectives
Volunteer
Pioneer
Look at the ends of these words. What do you notice? What do these people do?
Video Investigation
3 MIN
Embedded media
Pause Points
0:55 Classroom Devices?
1:30 The "-eer" Suffix!
2:30 Predict the Reveal!
The Golden Rule
-eer
"A person who does a thing."
Mountaineer
Climbs mountains
Puppeteer
Uses puppets
Suffix Search
Field Expedition Instructions
1
FIND
Work in pairs to find 3 NEW words ending in -eer.
2
DRAW
Sketch the person doing their specific job.
3
DEFINE
Write:
"A _____ is a person who..."
Mission Complete!
Pick your favorite word and get ready to share your sketch. Let's build our Suffix Squad wall!
Suffix Search Field Notes Suffix Search Field Notes
Expedition Log #03-EER
Explorer:
Date:
Decoding the Suffix
-eer =
Blueprint Sketch
Target Word
Official Definition
A ____________ is a person who...
Blueprint Sketch
Target Word
Official Definition
A ____________ is a person who...
Blueprint Sketch
Target Word
Official Definition
A ____________ is a person who...
Be precise, like an engineer!
Suffix Squad Answer Key Suffix Squad
Teacher Answer Key & Word Bank
LESSON: THE -EER GEAR
Core Definition
The suffix -eer means a person who does a thing.
Common Classroom Examples
01
Engineer
A person who designs or builds machines and systems.
02
Volunteer
A person who freely offers to take part in a task.
03
Pioneer
A person who is among the first to explore or settle a new area.
Student Discovery Options
04
Auctioneer
A person who conducts auctions by accepting bids.
05
Buccaneer
A person who is a pirate or an adventurer.
06
Musketeer
A soldier armed with a musket.
Bonus Words for Extension
Charioteer
A person who drives a chariot.
Gazeeteer
A geographical dictionary or directory.
Sloganeer
A person who creates slogans.
Field Notes Criteria
Correct suffix usage, clear illustration of the action, and sentence frame completion.