Learn how to figure out the general meaning of an unfamiliar word without ever having studied it! 

In this class, students will become skilled Word Detectives by learning 10 new roots and prefixes every week. These powerful tools will help learners break down and decipher unfamiliar words like true language detectives. With an engaging approach, we'll explore the building blocks of words in a fun and interactive way.

When students learn 10 new root words per week, they have the potential to learn a substantial number of vocabulary words. This is because many words share common roots. On average, knowing one root word can help unlock the meanings of several related words. While the exact number can vary depending on the roots and how they are used, students can potentially learn dozens or even hundreds of new vocabulary words over time by mastering these 10 root words each week. In essence, it's like discovering the keys to a treasure trove of linguistic knowledge.

LESSON SCHEDULE:
Week of October 9
#5  pyr / hypo / polis/polit  / aqua / dict / capit / carn / di/dis / duc/duct / mal

Week of October 16
#6  uni, mono / bi,du  / tri / quad,quar / penta,quint / hex,sex / sept, septem / oct, octo / nov, nona / dec(a), deci

Week of October 23
#7 scib/scrip / biblio / pedi / cardio / amor / the/theoi / pat(er) / mate(er) / frater / soror

Week of October 30
#8  medi / pug  / post / vis/vid / para / dorm / grad/gress / ven/vent  / omni / locu/loqu



Week of November 6
#9  Review: Games to review the root words taught the previous weeks. NEW students are encouraged to enroll as they will be guided to fill out a root word chart during the games.


Week of November 13
#10  Digging into Dino Vocabulary: List A ~ tyranno / saurus / rex / carn / taurus / tri / cerat / ops / stego / vore

Week of November 20
#11  Digging into Dino Vocabulary: List B ~ baro  / pod / bronto / apato  / ankylo  / veloci / raptor /  kentro / herba / avis

Week of November 20
#12 Vocabulary Word Focus  - designed to improve performance on standardized tests
Primary Focus:  “e, ex, extra”  / Secondary Focus:  locu, vacu, migr, miss, clud, trica, terr
elocution, evacuate, emigrate, emancipate, emissary, exclude, extol, extricate, exonerate, extemporaneous, extraordinary, extrapolate, extraneous, extarestrial, extrovert



Week of December 4
#13 Vocabulary Word Focus  - designed to improve performance on standardized tests
Primary Focus:  “a, am, il, im, in, ir”  / Secondary Focus:  the, path, trophy, morph, mne, onym, orexi, arch, esthes, liter, mort, cred, noc, re, voc
atheist, apathy, atrophy, amorphous, amnesia, anonymous, anarchy, anemia, anesthesia, anorexia, illiterate, immortal, incredulous, innocuous, irrevocable


Week of December 11
#14 Vocabulary Word Focus  - designed to improve performance on standardized tests
Primary Focus:  “de, sub, super” / Secondary Focus:  scend, celer, vers, ord, terr, vis, flu
descend, debilitate, degenerate, decelerate, debacle, subjugate, subversive, subliminal, subordinate, subterranean, supervisor, supercilious, superlative, superfluous, superstition


Week of December 18
#15 Vocabulary Word Focus  - designed to improve performance on standardized tests
Primary Focus:  “circum, per, peri” / Secondary Focus:  vent, spect, locu, ambul, scop, vade
circumference, circumvent, circumspect, circumlocution, circumambulate, peripatetic, peripheral, periscope, perianth, pervade, central, concentrate, concentric, eccentric, egocentric



Happy New Year 2024!
Week of January 8
#16 Vocabulary Word Focus  - designed to improve performance on standardized tests
Primary Focus:  “ben/e, bon, eu” / Secondary Focus:  vol, fic, fact, dict, viv, log, phor, phem, gen
benevolent, beneficial, beneficiary, benefactor, benefactress, beneficent, benediction, bonafide, bonvivant, benign, eulogy, euphemism, euphoria, euthanasia, eugenics


Happy New Year 2024!
Week of January 15
#17 Vocabulary Word Focus  - designed to improve performance on standardized tests
Primary Focus:  “nom, nym, neo, nov” / Secondary Focus:  log, nat, syn, anti, homo, pseudo
nomenclature, ignominy, monomial, nominate, misnomer, synonym, antonym, homonym anonymous, pseudo, neologism, neophyte, neonatal, innovate, novel


Happy New Year 2024!
Week of January 22
#18 Vocabulary Word Focus  - designed to improve performance on standardized tests
Primary Focus:  “dict, locqu, loqu” / Secondary Focus: contra, circum, juris, vale, circum
dictate, dictator, abdicate, indict, jurisdiction, dictum, verdict, contradict, edict, valedictorian, elocution, circumlocution, colloquial, loquacious, soliloquy


Happy New Year 2024!
Week of January 29
#19 Vocabulary Word Focus  - designed to improve performance on standardized tests
Primary Focus:  “arch, cracy, arch/i/e, prot/o” / Secondary Focus: an, mono, olig, mari, patri, auto, theo dem, tech, aristo, agonist, pela(o) 
anarchy, monarchy, oligarchy, matriarchy, patriarchy, autocracy, theocracy, democracy, technolocracy, aristocracy, architect, archipelago, archetype, protocol, protagonist


Week of February 5 
#20 Vocabulary Word Focus  - designed to improve performance on standardized tests
Primary Focus:  “de” / Secondary Focus: gen, pose, mot, scend, celer, tract, pred
descend, denounce, depose, demote, devaluate, depress, despondent, decelerate, debilitate, deter, deflect, detract, depredation, defer

To be continued…




*****  Why take THIS class? *****

#1  You will look forward to class because it's FUN and INTERACTIVE!
In this dynamic class, students actively engage in the learning process. They'll interact with the root words throughout the entire time (even if they choose to mute) by participating in activities that reinforce their understanding.  Also included are additional practice resources to support ongoing learning beyond the class.

#2  You may ENROLL ANY DAY of the week.
Lessons do not build upon each other.  This class is ideal for homeschoolers, before-schoolers, after-schoolers, or hybrid learners. 

#3  Your CONFIDENCE will GROW!
As students become more adept at understanding words through their roots, their confidence in their language skills naturally flourishes. This newfound self-assuredness doesn't just enhance their vocabulary comprehension but also empowers them to pronounce words more fluently and confidently, leading to an overall improved academic experience.

#4 You will learn a LIFE-LONG SKILL!
Students will learn how to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words even if they've never encountered them before.  The ability to decode and analyze unfamiliar words is a skill that can benefit students throughout their lives, in both academic and professional settings.  [Did I mention that I continue to apply my understanding of root words on a daily basis? 🤩]

 
#5  Your GRADES will IMPROVE!
When a teacher introduces a new concept and vocabulary, having a solid understanding of root words provides a distinct advantage. This advantage extends well beyond English classes. Students equipped with this knowledge will discover it significantly easier to excel in various subjects like biology, chemistry, and history, where specialized vocabulary is frequently used.


#6  You’ll have a TEST PREP ADVANTAGE!
Many standardized tests, like the SAT and ACT, include vocabulary sections that assess a student's ability to discern word meanings. 


#7  You'll DISCOVER "cool" stuff!
Lessons are sprinkled with "tidbits" of Fun Facts related to the root words of the week.


# 8  You’ll BUILD VOCABULARY with MINIMAL EFFORT!
Yes, learning root words can significantly boost vocabulary with relatively little effort. Understanding root words and their meanings makes vocabulary expansion more efficient and less demanding.


#9 You've got a teacher available around the clock!
This class is designed with you in mind, and if you ever have questions or need assistance, I'm just an email away to support your learning journey.


#10 You'll receive supplementary materials and ANSWER KEYS - I recommend outside practice!  I encourage students to use the answer keys to check their progress and confirm their work.  Additionally, from time to time, I'll provide links to practice games for extra reinforcement and review.

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To enhance the learning experience, it is highly recommended to print the mini flashcard handout with the blank box at the bottom.  No printer?  Students may jot down the roots and meaning in a spiral notebook.   The Welcome EMAIL will include directions on how to create an interactive notebook.  This notebook will serve as a tool to help students remember the root words and new vocabulary they learn each week.

This class meets TWO DAYS A WEEK:  What sets this class apart is the reinforcement of memory through games and practice sessions held twice a week. Repetition is a key factor in retaining knowledge, and our regular sessions ensure that students remember what they've learned.  (It's like flexing your mental muscles to enhance your word detective skills!)

-----  Day 1 -----
Day 1 is an introduction to the "list" and students write the meaning of the root words in the empty boxes of the mini flashcards.  We then become "word detectives" to apply what we learned by examining vocabulary words and recording example words on the Root Word Chart.  Finally, we’ll reinforce what we learned with an indoor scavenger hunt.   


-----  Day 2 -----
Day 2 is a quick review of the weekly root words, which involves another interactive vocabulary "word detective" activity, followed by an opportunity for students to SHOW and/or TELL something about one of the root words introduced on Day 1. We’ll end class with a game to reinforce learning.


--2 OTHER CLASS OPTIONS - same content, different format --

1) ONE DAY A WEEK - same content, less interactive time for reinforcement
COPY AND PASTE:  https://outschool.com/classes/build-vocabulary-learning-greek-and-latin-root-words-ongoing-1-day-week-R0nGp0gM


2) FLEX class:  Does not meet live.  Work at your own pace. You can speed up or slow down as needed, making learning adaptable to your schedule and preferences. 
CUT AND PASTE:  https://outschool.com/classes/build-vocabulary-fast-learning-greek-and-latin-root-words-9-week-flex-class-TCpwR1VX?sectionUid=fb19551f-6170-4ed0-a91f-911ad83c4956&showDetails=true

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Minimum MATERIALS NEEDED for all class formats -
Paper/notebook or the PRINTED COPIES of the weekly attachments:  Mini Flashcards, Root Word Chart, optional pages
Pencil
SPIRAL notebook or folder to organize materials

GAMES:
Kahoot and Blooket are gaming platforms that are used to help students practice and reinforce skills.   To keep the flow of the class going, please explore these sites and learn how to open a new tab on the computer in order to see the Kahoot questions.

Please consider setting up a free BLOOKET account before we meet by going to blooket.com.  Students enjoy collecting “coins” to purchase their own Blooks.

Materials Included - for Interactive Notebook and after /between class practice
Master Root Word Chart (10 weekly roots)
Master Mini Flashcards (includes 2 BONUS roots)

Instructional / Practice Activities - 
2 variations of Mini Flashcards (write the definition / sketch an image)

Root Word Dictionary - 2 pages of interactive Word Detective “work” 
*Example words with student-friendly definitions

2 variations of Create My Own Root Word Chart

2 variations of Matching & Detective “work”

Summative Assessment (final test) - SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW 

ANSWER KEYS - for after-class practice
I encourage students to view the answer keys to ensure they are on track with the directions and to verify their final work.

REMINDER:  SAVE INK - PLEASE VIEW ATTACHMENTS BEFORE PRINTING

_____
What is a "word detective"?  
A "word detective" is a term Ms. Ganley uses to describe students who possess the skills and knowledge to investigate and decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words.

For example, if a student comes across the word “monochromatic” and does not know the meaning, they would break the word into parts and identify the meaning.  Students will learn that the prefix “mono-“ means one or singular and “chroma-“ like in the word chrome, indicates color. Therefore, they could determine that the definition of monochromatic is likely to pertain to one color.  

Like detectives solving a mystery, word detectives employ strategies such as analyzing word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to unlock the hidden meanings behind words.  The interactive games make learning fun and most often, students don't realize how much they're actually learning in the process. 

Practicing 2 times a week helps students remember root words because repetition reinforces their memory. When we encounter something more than once, our brains get better at remembering it. So, when we learn and practice root words twice a week, it's like reminding our brains about them. This makes it easier to recognize and understand words that use those roots in the future. It's like practicing a sport – the more you practice, the better you get!

By applying what they learn in this ongoing class, students will continue to confidently explore and understand new vocabulary encountered in reading, writing, and everyday communication throughout the year.

Standard: Demonstrate an understanding of Greek and Latin roots and prefixes to analyze the meanings of complex words, thereby enhancing vocabulary comprehension across various academic subjects.
-- Learning root words helps students in multiple ways --
*Vocabulary: Root words build vocabulary by revealing word meanings.
*Decoding: Understanding roots aids in breaking down complex words, boosting reading skills.
*Subject Mastery: It aids in grasping specialized terms across subjects.
*Spelling and Writing: Root words aid spelling and effective writing.
*Academic Success: Strong vocabulary and reading skills enhance overall academic performance.
*Critical Thinking: Analyzing roots sharpens critical and analytical skills.
AND...
*Independent Learning: Students become confident, independent learners.
_______________________
This is a FUN INTERACTIVE CLASS --  as we learn best when we are having fun.  A "good mood" enhances attention and retention. 



FOR LIVE CLASSES...SOMETIMES: Practice game links

ANSWER KEYS - for after-class practice
I encourage students to view the answer keys to ensure they are on track with the directions and to verify their final work.

REMINDER:  SAVE INK - PLEASE VIEW ATTACHMENTS BEFORE PRINTING