Vocabulary
This year, we have created a two-part vocabulary program for you. One
part is a formal vocabulary study program, designed to introduce you to ten
new general academic-level words each week and give you practice with those
words. This part of the program allows you to expand your expressive and
receptive vocabularies.
The other part deals with Latin and Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Why
study two old languages? Consider the following facts:
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“Over 60% of all words in the English dictionary are based on Greek or Latin
roots.
A few prefixes are used in a large number of words. Prefixes have consistent
spelling and clear meaning.
Ninety percent of English words with more than two syllables come from Latin
and Greek.”
(Building Vocabulary from Word Roots, 2007)
With all of the words that Latin and Greek have contributed to in the
evolution of language, learning these relatively few roots, bases, and affixes will
help you to figure out a huge number of new words when you encounter them.
The following vocabulary breakdown is a two-week rotation.
Monday (first week)
Introduce the prefix, suffix, or root from Building Vocabulary with
Roots
Introduce the supplemental word list from the Vocabulary
Enrichment program.
Part 1 Tuesday (first week)
Vocabulary Enrichment: due
1. Create flashcards or Quizlet cards (www.quizlet.com) for all
10 VE words and one extra for Building Vocabulary from
Word Roots concept (prefix, root, suffix)
2. “Choosing the Right Word”
Flashcard Format: To get full credit, follow the format below:
Front
Last Name
Vocabulary Word
Back
U1.1
Part of Speech
Complete Definition
(include all definitions provided)
Quizlet: Quizlet is an online tool that students may use in lieu of
paper flashcards. If you choose to use this option, follow the
directions below carefully.
1. Create your flashcards and print your dashboard. The
printed dashboard must include YOUR name in the URL.
Your printed dashboard is due the same day as the
traditional flashcards.
2. Study the words using the various Quizlet tools a minimum
of three times BEFORE the day of the quiz.
Part 2 Thursday (first week)
Vocabulary Enrichment: due
1. “Synonyms and Antonyms” and
2. “Completing the Sentence”
Part 3 Tuesday (second week)
Vocabulary Enrichment: due
1. “Vocabulary in Context” and
2. Context Sentence Writing
Building Vocabulary from Word Roots
1. Go over assigned or complete in class activities:
a. “Read and Reason”
b. “Extend and Explore”
c. “Go for the Gold” (if useful)
Part 4 Thursday (second week)
Quiz over Building Vocabulary with Roots and Vocabulary
Enrichment words
Students turn in any extra credit vocabulary assignment if offered
○ Building Vocabulary from Word Roots will not be based on
specific words, but rather the concept -prefix, root, suffix
explored in that lesson. This will be a section added to the
VE Quiz.
*For the most part, the Vocabulary Enrichment schedule will not change (rain,
sleet, snow or shine- we will not deviate from the schedule; the work needs to
go home every night). However, students will need to pay close attention to
assignments for Building Vocabulary with Roots, as this will be determined by
the teacher each week based on what is completed during class time.