Grab My Hand! (Suffix)
Practice Words
Two-syllable words with common suffixes such as -ness, -ment, -er, -ful, -less, and -ly.
Jojo stands by the wire, watching a boy on the football field. The boy kicks the ball higher and higher, moving swiftly across the grass. Jojo holds his own ball tightly. He wonders if the boy will play with him.
The boy sends the ball flying with a swift kick. Jojo watches it swoop downward in a big arc. He puffs out his chest and bumps it boldly. No hands allowed in football! He feels hopeful. Maybe the boy will let him play.
The boy is so swift! Jojo is taller, but he can barely keep up. He feels hopeless at football.
Jojo watches closely as the boy controls the ball. It rolls from foot to foot and stops right where he wants it. This boy could be a teacher! Jojo has never seen a player this skillful.
Jojo calls out for a break, but the boy does not stop. Jojo keeps trying boldly to get the ball off him. He reaches forward, but the boy is simply too quick.
Just then, Jojo sends a really hard kick. The ball flies upward and sails right off the field! The boy reaches forward with a startled look. Now they need to find the ball!
The boy dashes onto the road to grab the ball. He is so reckless! Jojo calls to him loudly, but the boy does not lift his head. A bike speeds closer. Jojo must act quickly! He wonders if the boy simply cannot hear him.
Jojo jumps forward and grabs the boy by the hand. He pulls him safely onto the grass just as the bike rushes past. The boy holds the ball tightly and looks at Jojo with grateful eyes. This is the start of a real friendship.
They sit side by side on the hill, catching their breath slowly. The sun is sinking lower, turning the sky golden and bright. Jojo leans back and lets out his longest breath. The boy bumps Jojo's shoulder gently, and Jojo bumps him right back.
The boy draws his name proudly in the dirt: FAFA. Then he signs it with his hands, fingers moving nimbly and swiftly. Jojo copies the hand movements closely. He grins gladly. Now he has his new friend's name!
Jojo tries to sign his name, but his fingers get tangled. 'Hang on,' he says softly. He bends down and slowly spells four letters in the dirt: J-O-J-O. Fafa looks over, reads it, and smiles brightly.
They lay on the field, watching clouds drift across the golden sky. Two boys, two balls, no words needed. Jojo had come hoping to find a kicker to play with, and instead he found a friend. The next day, he would learn the sign for 'break' first.