 Teacher Tips
I have always used root words as a quick
class opener. I have even used them when my school sprang for the
Sadlier-Oxford books as the two work well together.
Forty years ago, way back at Millwood, my first school, the teachers
developed a list of root words as part of a comprehensive 7-12
vocabulary program. We divided this extensive list of roots between
grade levels and expected kids to be taught and to master about 50 at
every grade level. Of course, that means each kid had at least 300
major roots in head by graduation.
For my part, now that I am no longer part of a compre-hensive system, I
went with a core 120 roots broken into 10-root sets in My Root Sets. I teach them very simply, taking only a few
minutes a day.
I write two or three on the board every day and we brainstorm
derivatives. If the students don't suggest enough words, I always have
several for each root that I mention. The students use a Derivatives Worksheet to record at least three words that use the root. Then when
we cover ten roots, I test them over those ten.
I am very proud of the Root Word Tests since I use a big list of roots that I
call My Root Dictionary. I construct tests using words we did NOT
discuss in class. The definitions used on the matching test always
include the meaning of the root. So...students can make a 100% on the
test over words they have never seen before, just by knowing the roots.
Very empowering, as it gives students the ability to figure words out.
The students tell me that knowing roots consciously is very helpful on the ACT and SAT.
Useful Websites
English-Word Information
is a searchable site with extensive words and definitions for hundreds
of roots. Many of the words also include histories and lengthy
explanations.
Learn That Word is a quick reference to more than 350 Roots, with at least one example for each and a good reference for Suffixes as well.
Online Etymology Dictionary is not exactly about root words, but sometimes useful in figuring out how the root got embedded in the word in the first place.
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Teacher Resources
Instant Vocabulary by Ida Ehrlich -- Organized
around259 keys to word building, this book is an amazing resource if you
want to teach root words to your students. Each key is a root, prefix,
or suffix for which Ehrlich provides 20 examples showing how the key is
used in word building. @Amazon
Check out Neo below:
 English Vocabulary Quick Reference by Roger Crutchfield --
organized differently and is part of a comprehensive program he offers,
but is also more extensive than the above book. Both work well together. @Amazon
Dictionary of Word Roots and Combining Forms by Donald J. Borror -- I'm not sure how or why, but extensive resource available free online. Downloadble copy in extensive DropBox files available to $25.00 donors
 The Word Within The Word by Michael Clay Thompson -- This
extensive program covers 500 roots and includes activities and tests
for three different volumes. Though intended to start in sixth grade,
the materials work well even with seniors. @own website
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