ALEX Learning Activity

Students will view a video about prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Students will receive a Greek and Latin Roots Guide. Students will work in small groups to identify words that contain Greek and Latin roots. They will also identify the definitions of these words and use them in sentences. Students will complete an Exit Slip to show understanding of Greek and Latin roots.

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Students will be able to use Greek and Latin roots as clues to the meanings of words.

1. Have students view the video-Latin and Greek Roots and Affixes | Reading | Khan Academy. The video will go over Latin and Greek affixes and roots. After the video, discuss with students how Latin and Greek affixes and roots can help you identify the meaning of words. Review some of the roots that were talked about in the video. For example, dent is a Latin root that means "tooth". Write dentist on the board and model how knowing the Latin Root helps you define the word dentist.

2. The teacher will pass out the Greek and Latin Roots Guide. Go over each root and meaning. Give students a few minutes to fill in any example words they know with these Greek and Latin Roots. The Greek and Latin Roots Guide will be something the students keep in a folder and binder. Do not collect. It can be used as a guide for future activities and serve as a study guide for a test.

3. Divide students into groups of three to four. Each group will receive a large piece of white paper and markers. The teacher will assign the students a Greek or Latin root from the guide-loc, flect, cycl, phon, log/logos, and graph. The students will work together to create a graphic organizer that includes the following information: the Greek or Latin root, words that contain that root, sentences that use these words in context, and a picture for each word. Students will visit the provided websites to help them identify words that contain the Greek or Latin root they have been assigned:

loc

flect

cycl

phon

log/logos

graph

Show students this Example to help them organize their information. You could also complete an example on the board together.

3. The teacher should facilitate as students work. The teacher should listen in on groups and provide guidance where needed. After groups have finished, allow each group to present their words, definitions, sentences, and pictures. Students can fill in more example words on their Greek and Latin Roots guide as groups present.

4. Students will complete this Exit Slip at the conclusion of the lesson.

The teacher will assess the Greek and Latin Roots activity the students completed together in small groups. The teachers will check to see that the students have:

• identified words with the assigned Greek or Latin Root
• accurately defined words that contain the assigned Greek or Latin Root and used them correctly in sentences

The teacher will assess the completed Exit Slip. The teacher will check to see that the students:

• are able to use Greek and Latin roots as clues to the meanings of words.
• have identified Greek and Latin roots they would like more practice with

The teacher will need to make copies of the Greek and Latin Roots Guide.

The teacher will need to have chart paper/big white paper and markers for the small group activity. 

The teacher will need to upload the Google Form (Exit Slip) to the digital platform students use for digital activities. The teacher will also need to upload the website links.

This learning activity can be used with the following activities:

Greek and Latin Roots

Greek and Latin Roots Independent Practice