Root Words

Learning about Greek and Latin Root Words is an important word-solving skill and a 5th Grade Common Core standard. If students are knowledgeable about common roots and affixes (bi-, auto-, geo-), they can solve the meaning of unknown words as they read. 

Two weeks ago we spent several class periods reviewing and learning about Greek and Latin Roots. Here are some of the activities we spent time learning with. 

As a starting place, we make interactive flap-books to learning about common roots and affixes. 

We've also introduced a game of root word memory. Played like a traditional game of memory, students have to match a root word and examples of that root in action with the root's meaning.

As a 'working backwards' method, students also spent time sorting words by their roots. After they sorted each group of words, students inferred the meaning of the root based on their knowledge of the 5-6 in the group!

One of our favorite centers (maybe even more popular than iPads) is STACKS. A root or affix is written on the bottom of each cup and its meaning on the inside of the cup. The cups are placed in a large Ziploc bag and students works in pairs. One partner grabs a cup. He/she defines the root and then, gives an example of a word that uses the prefix. The partner checks their work (mentally or using the answer I have written on the inside of the cup). If the partner answers correctly, they can add it to their cup pyramid. If incorrect, the cup goes back into the bag. Students work together to build the tallest possible pyramid in our 12 minute work period! 

Root words are something we'll continually revisit as we encounter unknown words in texts we read, as well as, through out Flocabulary vocabulary program. As you see root words in the 'real' world quiz your child and see if they can identify the root and its meaning!