Leading off from the last blog on vocabulary across content areas in the classroom, I have started to discover that I am passionate about vocabulary. The science behind breaking apart words, decoding as you read, and learning new, complex words that you can start to use in your everyday language is fascinating to me. I love seeing my students learn new words, and begin to use those words in their speech and writing.
My classroom is littered with vocabulary walls for numerous subjects. We keep a math vocab chart, a science vocab chart, a chain of grammar terms, packets of novel vocabulary terms, and prefix/suffix/root word walls. My students are exposed to new vocabulary every day. We have strategies for identifying and defining new terms, as well as ways that we keep track of all of our vocabulary knowledge. In the past year, I have found integrating vocabulary instruction into content areas even more beneficial than teaching vocabulary terms on their own.
While content vocabulary is important to both me and my students, learning to decode and understand terms is easiest when the students have an understanding of word parts. Greek roots and Latin stems are really important for our students to know to be able to decode new words as they read a text. I have used numerous resources over the past few years to attempt teaching and reviewing root words with my students, but have never found just the right resource to do this. I wanted something that could be adapted to a whole group, small group, or used individually if students needed to learn these word parts on their own due to our time constraints each day. I created several puzzles that coincide with grade level root words, and also put together activity packets (with puzzles) that can be completed individually or at a reading center for both Greek roots and Latin stems. These puzzles and activities can be used at any upper elementary grade level, and even for struggling students in middle school. There are sorting activities, pages to define and illustrate words, and reading passages to identify and define many root and stem words...perfect for adapting to your classroom needs! Check out the bundle HERE.
Taking the time to fit in individual vocabulary instruction on a weekly basis can be difficult. Maybe you have just 10 minutes blocked out for whole group instruction. Maybe you prefer to have students practice vocabulary at a reading center. Or maybe you take the time to teach 15-20 minutes of vocabulary instruction daily and you are searching for more activities or new words to teach your students. Click HERE for a new Greek Roots and Latin Stems Activity bundle that will meet your varied needs!
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