As I wrote in the class syllabus:
Text Set Collection: We will learn about the role of different texts in teaching your content area throughout this course. Four times, you will be responsible for choosing a unit of study within your content area and building a Text Set collection for that unit or topic. The text set must include at least 15 items (a combination of websites, applications, programs, books, or other texts). Each title chosen must include grade/reading level of the text, a brief description of the text, and a brief rationale of why you chose each text. Organize the texts into blog post to be shared with the class. A model and rubric will be provided. The Topic for each collection is due to me one week before it is due.
Here is that model!
General Resources for Greek and Roman Roots
Books
Elizabeth Osborne (Author), Paul Moliken (Editor), Larry Knox
Ages: 12 and up
This book is a collection of lists arranged by root, along with illustrations, and typical vocabulary exercises. I am not too high on the exercises, but I like how the words are grouped and presented. This is a nice, usable resource for students.
Ages: 12 and up
This book is a collection of lists arranged by root, along with illustrations, and typical vocabulary exercises. I am not too high on the exercises, but I like how the words are grouped and presented. This is a nice, usable resource for students.
Greek & Roman Roots: Keys to Building Vocabulary
Timothy Raskinski, Nancy Padak, Rick M. Newton, & Evangeline Newton
Ages: for Teachers
This book is a collection of information, strategies, and activities for teaching these roots to students. It would be a great resource for teachers in many subject areas.
Websites
- Root Word Dictionary
Ages: Grade 4 and up
A pretty comprehensive list of common roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Good for quick reference and study, and also easily searchable alphabetically.
- Quizlet Greek and Roman Roots Flashcards
Ages: Grades 4 and up
A simple way to study, memorize, and read roots, their definitions, and a few keywords. This is an easily manipulated, somewhat interactive activity.
- The Dictionary of Greek and Latin Roots
Ages: Grades 8 and up
A bare-bones list of roots along with a sample word. This seems like an easy and quick reference for students and would make for a good handout. The sample word for bi- (bisexual) may produce giggles or troubles, so I would probably copy and tailor the list myself.
Roots in Mathematics
- Math Root Words
Ages:12 and up
This website includes a short list of the roots and origins of some common math words. I think it would be useful for sharing where some of the concepts and ideas came from.
- The Etymology of Geometry Words
Ages: 12 and up
This write-up includes a readable version of math etymology, links to other articles about Ancient Greek and Roman mathematics, and also is followed up by a brief quiz. A good, reliable source of information for students.
- Rhythm, Rhyme, Results
Ages: 12 and up
This website sells raps songs about mathematics vocabulary. Their songs about the metric system and geometry are particularly helpful. They provide short samples of each song online. Also, they have three versions of each song (fast, slow, and instrumental so students can perform themselves).
- Vocabulary Strategies for the Analysis of Word Parts in Mathematics
Ages: Teacher
A handout/article for teachers about using Root Word Trees activities with students. This activity gets students to dissect words and also identify related terms.
Roots in Science
- Scientific Root Words, Prefixes, And Suffixes
Ages: 15 and up
A comprehensive list of common, technical scientific roots and affixes arranged to fit onto two pages that can be printed off and kept as a resource.
- Flocabulary
Ages: 12 and up
This website sells rap songs and books containing lyrics and exercises for student use. Songs touch on life science, earth science, chemistry, and physics and contain references to root words as well as clever word play. They provide samples, with videos, online.
- 10 Long Science Words
Ages: 15 and up
A page defining 10 long scientific terms and the roots/affixes that are in them. I can see this page being turned into an interesting activity with students where they use the roots/affixes to define the words on their own.
- 190 Biology Root Words Quiz
Ages: 13 and up
An app for Android that gives students a chance to practice flashcards, take quizzes, and refer to a dictionary. A nice, portable resource.
Roots in Other Languages
- Spell It! Words from German
Ages: 12 and up
This page has a list of English words derived from German. When you click on each word, you get to see its definition and roots. It has spelling activities and a kind of worksheet feel to it, but I also think it is informative. You can also use this link to find roots from other languages on a handy toolbar. This could be a great way to start comparing word knowledge.
- Spanish-English Cognates in the ELL Classroom: Friend or Foe
Ages: Teachers
A lesson plan for teaching about roots and cognates in Spanish and Latin. This plan includes activities of comparing common Latin roots as well as identifying false cognates that can create confusion.
- Borrowed Words by Language - French
Age: 12 and up
Perhaps a bit pedestrian looking, but this list details a good number of French phrases and words commonly used in English. A good way to get at idioms and cognates.
