A NOTE FROM MS. GANLEY:  Roots are roots, and age doesn't matter! This skill is invaluable—I still use my knowledge of root words every day!😉

Join this FUN & interactive class!  Class meetings will be added and continue based on student enrollement.

Each class begins with an engaging slide presentation that introduces the Greek & Latin root words, their meanings, and related vocabulary for context. Students will be guided to use this information to fill out their ROOT WORD CARDS. Next, we’ll jump into a variety of fun WORD DETECTIVE games like Jeopardy, Kahoot, or Blooket!

We’ll wrap up with directions on how to easily complete their personalized ROOT WORD CHART after class. This follow-up activity is optional but highly recommended and should take no more than a few minutes to complete. All students need to do is use the teacher-created ROOT WORD DICTIONARY, designed to help them record vocabulary words and their meanings that belong to the root word family. Completing this activity will reinforce learning and support growth in building vocabulary with Greek and Latin root words!

Additionally, students will be encouraged to create a Root Word Notebook by adding pages each week, ensuring that everyone leaves with a solid understanding and enthusiasm for the next class while building a valuable resource for their vocabulary development!


Materials Included Each Week:

ROOT WORD CARDS: Please print and bring to class (one page)
ROOT WORD CHART: Highly recommended to print and complete after class (one page)
ROOT WORD DICTIONARY: Print or view to complete the Root Word Chart (2 - 3 pages)



In this class, special attention will be given to vocabulary words commonly found on standardized tests such as the PSAT, SAT, and ACT, helping students build their word knowledge and enhance their test-taking skills.


*****  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 by participating in activities that reinforce their understanding.  

#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.  [And… 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 employed.

#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'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.

#10 You'll experience the Vocabulary Ripple Effect!  As you learn new roots each week, you'll witness the chain reaction of unlocking the meanings of endless words.  Your vocabulary will grow rapidly before your eyes. 




Standards
Students will demonstrate an understanding of Greek and Latin roots and prefixes to analyze complex words, enhancing vocabulary comprehension across various academic subjects. Learning root words helps in multiple ways: vocabulary building, decoding complex words, mastering specialized terms, improving spelling and writing, enhancing academic performance, sharpening critical thinking, and fostering independent learning.



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Learning to be a WORD DETECTIVE
Roots are the core components that carry meaning. Being a "word detective" involves seeking and recognizing these roots, which aids in breaking down longer words into manageable parts and understanding their general meanings. By learning a few root words each week, a student's vocabulary expands, enabling them to grasp the general meanings of unfamiliar words they may encounter for the first time.

Sample Root Words and the types of things students will learn:

auto / bio / mono / chrome / geo / gram / graph / helio / (o)logy / meter


Vocabulary

We will practice pronunciation, identify the root, and then attempt to determine the meaning of the unfamiliar word.  Students will be guided through this process.

Examples for the root word "helio", meaning "sun"

🌞heliocentric = sun at the center (centric = "center")
[This means that something is centered around the sun. For example, the heliocentric model of the solar system says that the sun is at the center and the planets orbit around it.]

🌞heliograph = sun writing / to write with the sun (graph means "to write")
[A heliograph is a device used for signaling by reflecting sunlight with a mirror. These flashes follow a code, like Morse code, to convey message and were used in the past, especially in the military, when other communication methods weren't available.]

🌞heliotropic = sun turn / turning towards the sun (tropos = “turning or direction”)
["Heliotropic” describes how a plant reacts to sunlight by turning or growing towards it.]

Some examples of heliotropic plants include:
🌻Sunflowers: Sunflowers are well-known for their ability to track the movement of the sun across the sky during the day, facing east in the morning and west in the afternoon.

🌽Corn plants: Young corn plants often exhibit heliotropic behavior by bending or leaning towards the direction of the sun to capture more sunlight for photosynthesis.

🪷Lotus flowers: Lotus flowers often open in the morning and close in the evening, following the path of the sun throughout the day.




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