Greek and Latin Roots in Language Arts Mrs. Melia & Mrs. Duggan 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 base words joined by prefixes and suffixes. Many English words are formed with base words joined by prefixes and suffixes. A root is a word part, with it’s own individual definition from the Greek or Latin languages, which contributes to the definition of our words in English. A root is a word part, with it’s own individual definition from the Greek or Latin languages, which contributes to the definition of our words in English. Prefix Base Suffix

More About Roots Each ROOT (prefix, base, or suffix) has it’s own meaning. Each ROOT (prefix, base, or suffix) has it’s own meaning. Example: The word SUBMARINE has a prefix and a base that came from the Greek or Latin Language. ine ine If we know that the PREFIX “sub” translates to mean under, and the base “mar” translates to mean sea, we are able to GUESS that the word SUBMARINE has something to do with being under the sea. Sub mar UNDER SEA

Submarine noun 1. a warship with a streamlined hull designed to operate completely submerged in the sea for long periods, equipped with an internal store of air and a periscope and typically armed with torpedoes and/or missiles. adjective 1. existing, occurring, done, or used under the surface of the sea.

Prefixes, bases, and suffixes are all types of ROOTS that come from the Greek and Latin language. Each has a unique meaning that contributes to the definition of words in our language. Roots Prefix Base Suffix

Base The base (sometimes also called root) is a word part with a specific meaning that usually contains the basic meaning of a word. The base (sometimes also called root) is a word part with a specific meaning that usually contains the basic meaning of a word.

Prefixes A prefix is part of a word (and is a type of root) that is found in the beginning of words. A prefix is part of a word (and is a type of root) that is found in the beginning of words. 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 a word part (and is a type of root) that is an found at the end of words. A suffix a word part (and is a type of root) that is an found at the end of words. Suffixes can oftentimes change the meaning of a word or help us identify the part of speech of a word. Suffixes can oftentimes change the meaning of a word or help us identify the part of speech of a word. For example, the suffix –logy means science. For example, the suffix –logy means science. The root bio means life. biology =

Let’s Practice Neonatal If the prefix neo- translates to mean new, and the base nat means born, what must the word NEONATAL have something to do with? Newborn Child Induction If the prefix in- translates to mean in, the base duct translates to mean lead, and the suffix –ion translates to act of, what must the word INDUCTION have something to do with?

Let’s get started During the roots weeks, 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. During the roots weeks, 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 Add the root to learn, its definition, and Add the root to learn, its definition, and The word part to the flashcards. For homework: study for minutes. For homework: study for minutes.

After day 1, your card should look like this: Front of Card Back of Card sub Definition: Under (Prefix)

Day 2 You will add sample word to the front of your flashcards. You will add sample word to the front of your flashcards. Use an online dictionary to look up the definition of each sample word. Write on the back of your flashcard. Use an online dictionary to look up the definition of each sample word. Write on the back of your flashcard. Use a highlighter to highlight Use a highlighter to highlight the root in each word. the root in each word. Study cards for minutes Study cards for minutes Definition: Under (Prefix) Sample word: subterranean

After day 2, your card should look like this: Definition: Under (Prefix) Sample word: Subterranean – existing, occurring or done under the earth’s surface sub subterranean Front Back

Day 3 On a piece of white-lined paper, write sentences using the sample words correctly in context. The sentences should show that you know the meaning of the sample word’s definition. On a piece of white-lined paper, write sentences using the sample words correctly in context. The sentences should show that you know the meaning of the sample word’s definition. Example: Looking from the road, you would never know I have a complex subterranean sprinkler system since it is all underground! Study flashcards for minutes making sure you know all root definitions, word parts, sample words and their definitions. Study flashcards for minutes making sure you know all root definitions, word parts, sample words and their definitions.

Day 4 Receive study guide for roots quiz. Receive study guide for roots quiz. Review study guide and flashcards to prepare for quiz. Review study guide and flashcards to prepare for quiz.

Day 5 – Quiz Day 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