If you want to increase your English vocabulary, learn where over 60% of English words originated, distinguish the parts of speech more clearly, or simply revel in the glory of pulchritudinous verbiage, this class is for you! 

In this class students will learn the Latin and Greek origins of many English words. We will discuss parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc.), as well as prefixes and suffixes. In a typical lesson, I will present a Latin or Greek root (or the full origin word), its English meaning, and several English derivatives. Students are encouraged to define words wherever possible - this gives them excellent practice at articulating the meaning of something, which is often more difficult than we expect! Students are also welcome to make guesses of the definitions of words, as well as partial definitions (e.g. they know the suffix -ology, but aren't sure what the rest of the word means). I encourage making connections and coming up with synonyms wherever possible as well.

In this class we include more than the typical English derivatives - yes, you might learn where the word "hypothermia" originates; but you also might learn where "cephalopod" and "ventriloquist" come from! I will present using slides that have the root word, it’s meaning, and several derivatives per slide. 

When the origin word is Greek, I will also show students how to write that word using the ancient Greek alphabet (just for fun). Students are encouraged to brainstorm additional derivatives and share them with the class. Additionally, if students suggest a derivative that might be a "false friend" - i.e. it looks like it might come from that root but actually does not - I will provide tips and tricks on how to find word origins on their own. Each lesson will include ample time for questions. 

Root words will be grouped by their starting letter rather than by another theme. No previous experience with Greek or Latin roots, linguistics, or etymology required! 

*Students can attend for several months without seeing the same root twice! They might, however, see the same *derivative* twice (e.g. "soliloquy" appears with the root "solus" and "loquor"). Eventually students who attend regularly will start to see repeat words/roots.



Week of June 17 - "A" roots-3
Week of June 24 - "B" roots-1
Week of July 1 - "C" roots-1
Week of July 8 - "D" roots-1
Week of July 15 - "E" roots-2
Week of July 22 - "F" roots-1
Week of July 29 - "G" roots-1
Week of August 5 - "I" roots-1  (any guesses why we skipped the letter H?)