Word Parts: Vocabulary/Roots and Affixes Lesson 1

This lesson explains the process of breaking words into parts to identify meaning. It gives several examples, including breaking down the longest word in the English language to derive a definition. Next, it introduces eight common roots and goes through several activities to help students memorize these. First, it asks learners to break down a few familiar words for meaning. Next, students are asked to draw the meanings as a mnemonic device. Then, students are given a list of words that use these roots and asked to write a paragraph using as many of those words as possible. Finally, there is a short matching quiz followed by a review of the entire lesson.

This packet is great for introducing a vocabulary unit. Also good for morning work, homework, independent practice, test review/prep, enrichment, and remediation.

I designed this lesson with my GED students in mind. The Science and Social Studies vocabulary are often challenging, and this lesson can help learners begin to see large words as a puzzle to solve, helping to reduce test anxiety.

Finally, it makes learning vocabulary fun! Students are asked to solve the mystery of the new word with activities that ask them to use different parts of the brain, even their own artistic talents!

Look for more lessons to come.

Answer Keys included!