Getting in those Root Words!

One of the most favorite things I do all year is teach my students Greek and Latin Roots.  I just feel like if they can master these roots, from which so very much of our English language is derived from, the expansion of vocabulary and word attack strategies will increase ten-fold.  So I dedicate time each week to these important pieces of language.  

Last year, I wrote a few posts about how I taught them (you can find the posts here), and this year I have revamped it just slightly....and I wanted to share.

I really don't have a Root Word program (though I honestly am still searching!  I would love to have a more prescribed way of doing this other than what I just came up with)  Like last year, I teach my students 2-4 root words per week.  I am actually thinking of upping that number as the year progresses.  I really believe they can handle it.  But for now, it will stay at 2-4.  Like before, to introduce the words, I have the students create index cards with the root, the definition, and a picture of the meaning on the front. 

The back of the cards has sample words containing the roots, as well as meanings. They keep these flash cards all year long to study, create games, use during writing, etc....

 

I then had my students create Circle Maps divided into four sections for the roots (meaning, sentence with a word that shows the meaning, picture, and different sample words).  These were done in groups and were very helpful with the retention of the roots.  Since they are discussing them, the roots become even more cemented in their brains.

Now, here is what is new this year.  Laura Candler's new book Laura Candler's Graphic Organizers for Reading: Teaching Tools Aligned with the Common Core had this AMAZING little foldable in it that I fell in love with.  The visual appeal of it was stunning, and it was just very useful to me.  So I added this little gem into the mix for classwork during our Reading Rotations.  Now, the students create this (blank, to fill in with the roots) each week and complete it at during rotations.  This is great because they are finding even MORE examples than they were before.  I require the students to find at least 10 words containing the root.  They then bring it back and we discuss.  I find that the more they are looking for the roots, the more they are reading and discovering vocabulary. It is a win-win for everyone.



For homework, though, I have actually tried to combine all of what I was doing before.  Now I have them use these AWESOME (yes, I just called one of my resources awesome.....because it truly is) Trifolds.  They are so easy.  So to the point.  And SO EFFECTIVE!  My kids really are digesting the roots because of these trifolds.  I am in love with them.

Finally, I added to the Word Wall that I was already doing.  Before, it was sort of hit or miss if I actually got around to putting the roots on the wall.  I was just lazy or forgetful or busy or....whatever other excuse I can put there.   But, I created some cards over the summer and now I have them ready to go!  They are cut out and laminated and ready to be put on my new word wall (which I made out of felt this year...also something new)  I also have them posted up for the week, sort of like spelling words would be (DUH!!  Why didn't I do that sooner???) 

It sincerely is my hope that you are able to gain something useful for your classroom from reading my posts, and not feel like I am trying to plug my "stuff" every step of the way.  I know that some of you will be able to take what I am saying and recreate it yourself...and that is OK!  If you don't want to....my store is there for you.  But truly, I just want to share ideas with you.  So take what you can and run with it!