Greek and Latin Root Words
Word Web Example
(Meaning)
believe
(Other
Words)
(Root
Word)
credence
incredible
creed
Credo
(Sentence)
I doubt his
credibility
because
he lies.
(Modern
Word)
credibility
1
Appendix E
Greek and Latin Root Words
Word Web
Create a word web for each vocabulary word. Put the root word in the center, the modern word
in the circle on the bottom, the meaning of the root word at the top, any other words derived
from the root on the left, and a sentence with the modern word on the right. You may write
outside the circles if you need more room.
(Meaning)
(Other
Words)
(Root
Word)
(Sentence)
(Modern
Word)
2
Flip Chart Study Guide
Greek and Latin Word Flip Chart Study Guide
Directions
Paper is cut in 1/2-sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 size copy paper,
different colors. Sheets are cut with each subsequent
piece a little shorter than the last and stacked with largest
piece on the bottom, as shown, below. The Greek/Latin
root word is written on the “flap.” Word meanings and
sample present day derivatives are written on the page,
concealed under the page stacked above. Students can
share stacks of colorful paper, with one student having the
design cut, below, and the other student having the paper
with the opposing cuts.
Greek/ Latin
Root Word Here
↑↑↑↑↑ Staple the Stack of papers across the top, here ↑↑↑↑↑
Greek / Latin
Root Word Here
Greek / Latin
Root Word Here
Greek / Latin
Root Word Here
®
2005 Core Knowledge National Conference, Greek and Latin Root Words, 8th Grade
3
Focus Lessons – A few minutes introducing a concept will make an impression on students
when they see constant review in everyday words. Share a short list of prefixes or suffixes
and have students look for these in their reading. Examples:
Prefixes: se – apart
pre – in front of
re – again, intensive
dis – not
con – together
ex – away
Weird plurals from Greek and Latin roots – Introduce students to these plural forms. An
added bonus may be increased success in spelling.
us/i
syllabus/syllabi
radius/radii
a/ae
antenna/antennae
larva/larvae
um/a
cranium/crania
millenium/millennia
x/ces
index/indices
appendix/appendices
Greek and Latin One-a-Days – Introduce a word every day, as an opening activity, and
have students decode the word from the prefixes and suffixes they have learned, (e.g.)
automobile, television, etc.
®
2005 Core Knowledge National Conference, Greek and Latin Root Words, 8th Grade
4
®
2005 Core Knowledge National Conference, Greek and Latin Root Words, 8th Grade
5