Greek and Latin Roots in Language Arts Mrs. Melia Grade 6 ELA Cohasset Middle School

Which is easier to learn, 100 roots or 100,000 new words? More than 70 percent of English comes from Latin and Greek word origins. More than 70 percent of English comes from Latin and Greek word origins. When you learn 100 roots, you can figure out the meaning of 100,000 words! When you learn 100 roots, you can figure out the meaning of 100,000 words! When you know the roots, you can be a word detective – figuring out the meaning of a word on your own. When you know the roots, you can be a word detective – figuring out the meaning of a word on your own.

How are words formed? Many English words are formed with roots and base words joined by prefixes and suffixes. Many English words are formed with roots and base words joined by prefixes and suffixes. A root word is a word part from which other words can be made. Many words are made by combining two or more roots. For example, A root word is a word part from which other words can be made. Many words are made by combining two or more roots. For example, Sub = under Terr = land, relating to the earth Subterranean = under the earth, underground

Prefixes A prefix is a syllable that is added to the beginning of a root word. A prefix is a syllable that is added to the beginning of a root word. Each prefix has a different meaning. Each prefix has a different meaning. Common prefixes…Pre = before, Inter=between, co=together, post = after, bi =two, un = not Common prefixes…Pre = before, Inter=between, co=together, post = after, bi =two, un = not The prefix Extra- means beyond The prefix Extra- means beyond Terr = land, relating to earth Terr = land, relating to earth Extraterrestrial = beyond the earth

Suffixes A suffix is an addition made at the end of a root word. A suffix is an addition made at the end of a root word. Suffixes often add information to the meaning of the word. Suffixes often add information to the meaning of the word. Common suffixes: Common suffixes: - ary, -ive, -logy, -cide, -ure, -ness, -ous, -ist - ary, -ive, -logy, -cide, -ure, -ness, -ous, -ist For example, the suffix –logy means science. For example, the suffix –logy means science. The root bio means life. biology =

Let’s get started Each week, you will be given a list of 8-10 roots and sample words. You will have the complete the same activities each week to help you learn the roots. Each week, you will be given a list of 8-10 roots and sample words. You will have the complete the same activities each week to help you learn the roots.

Day 1 New roots lists are handed out in class New roots lists are handed out in class Make roots flash cards and add them to your key ring Make roots flash cards and add them to your key ring For homework - study new roots for 10 minutes For homework - study new roots for 10 minutes

Day 2 For homework you will have to define the sample words on a piece of loose-leaf in the Roots section of your binder. For homework you will have to define the sample words on a piece of loose-leaf in the Roots section of your binder. Biology – the science of life Biology – the science of life Extraterrestrial – life that does not Extraterrestrial – life that does not originate from earth. Subterranean – under the ground Subterranean – under the ground or under the earth. Use a highlighter to highlight the root in each word. Use a highlighter to highlight the root in each word. Tip: Use dictionary.com to look up the definition so that you can hear how the word is pronounced. Tip: Use dictionary.com to look up the definition so that you can hear how the word is pronounced.

Day 3 For homework, write one sentence for each sample word on a piece of loose-leaf in your binder. Underline the sample word. For homework, write one sentence for each sample word on a piece of loose-leaf in your binder. Underline the sample word. In science this year, we will study biology. In science this year, we will study biology. Some people think there are aliens or extraterrestrials on other planets. Some people think there are aliens or extraterrestrials on other planets.

Day 4 Study for Roots Quiz. Each roots quiz includes all the roots you have learned thus far, so study all of the roots on your key ring and this week’s sample words. Study for Roots Quiz. Each roots quiz includes all the roots you have learned thus far, so study all of the roots on your key ring and this week’s sample words. SPELLING COUNTS! SPELLING COUNTS! For extra credit on the quiz, find one new word that uses one of this week’s roots. Write the new word and its definition on a piece of paper. You can ask someone at home for a word that uses the root. You can find roots in your reading. Or, you can look up words on the computer that use your roots. You will staple this paper to your quiz. For extra credit on the quiz, find one new word that uses one of this week’s roots. Write the new word and its definition on a piece of paper. You can ask someone at home for a word that uses the root. You can find roots in your reading. Or, you can look up words on the computer that use your roots. You will staple this paper to your quiz.

Day 5 ROOTS QUIZ Write in the definition of each root 1. Bio_____ 2. Logy _____ 3. Terr_____ 4. Sub____ 5. Extra_____ 6.Biology____a. Under the earth, underground 7.Extraterrestrial___b. The science of life. 8.Subterranean____c. Life that does nor come from earth. MATCHING