Up from the Roots

Teaching Theme of the Week

from Education World®

Students create new words by combining root words and/or short words.

8.

(3-5, 6-8)

Subjects: Language Arts

• Language Arts 

Grade Levels: 6-8, 9-12

• 3-5
• 6-8 

Objectives
Students will:

• demonstrate knowledge of root words and prefixes,
• develop vocabulary skills, and
• demonstrate creative-thinking skills.

Keywords
dictionary, prefix, root words, Latin, Greek

Materials Needed

• dictionary
• pens or pencils
• Up from the Roots work sheet, one per student

Procedure

1. Review with students root words and prefixes. Give examples of each.
    
2. Distribute the Up from the Roots work sheet. Have students define real words that include the root words, prefixes, and suffixes on the sheet and then make up new words. Encourage students to be creative!

Assessment
Evaluate students' work sheets.

ANSWER KEY

1. syn (same or similar) + oynm (name) = synonym -- a word that means the same as another (Accept student-written definitions that capture the meaning.)
2. hemi (half) + sphere (globe or ball) = hemisphere; accept student definitions that capture the meaning.
3. auto (self) + graph (writing) = autograph
4. bio (life) + ology (study of) = biology
5. uni (one) + cycle (wheel or circle) = unicycle
6. dia (through or across) + gram (something written or drawn) = diagram
7. tele (far away) + phone (sound) = telephone

Bonus: telegraph, telegram, biograph, biosphere, diagraph. Have students share their responses.

Copyright © 2004, EducationWorld.com, used by permission