Vocabulary Strategies for the Analysis of
Word Parts in Mathematics
The Analysis of Word Parts in
Mathematics
Breaking down and examining word parts—
prefixes, suffixes, base words, blends, digraphs,
and Greek and Latin roots—is another approach
to teaching vocabulary that can help students
learn the thousands of words they need to study
mathematics. There is increasing evidence that it
helps to teach students the major word chunks in
English (Ryder and Graves 2003; Pressley 2000).
Morphology is the ability to use word structures
to make meaning of new vocabulary. Explicit
instruction that teaches students to use their prior
knowledge to make sense of root words, suffixes,
prefixes, and other word parts builds confidence
in understanding words and ultimately increases
reading comprehension skills. Simply put, when
students recognize Greek and Latin roots and other
word parts in unfamiliar words, they are better able
to make accurate guesses at the definitions, and
therefore better understand what they are reading in
mathematics.
Words with
Prefixes
proportion
pro-
polygon
multiply
symmetry
kilometer
equilateral
triangle
polymultisymkiloequitri-
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Prefix
Prefix
Definition
forward, in
favor of
many
many, much
with, together
thousand
equal
three
Before teachers do direct instruction on word
parts in mathematics, it is best to assess students’
understanding of what they already know about
word parts. Ryder and Graves (2003) suggest a
few activities to determine what students know
about prefixes and suffixes. Give the students a
list of words that have various prefixes. Have the
students remove the prefixes from the words, and
then define the prefixes. Then, give the students a
list of words that have a variety of suffixes. Have
them remove the suffixes from the words and define
the suffixes.
Words with
Suffixes
average
equilateral
negative
different
supplementary
multiplication
Suffix
-age
-al
-ive
-ent
-ary
-tion
divisor
-or
Suffix
Definition
belongs to
relating to
like
to form
relating to, like
being the result
of
thing that
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Vocabulary Strategies for the Analysis of
Word Parts in Mathematics (cont.)
The Analysis of Word Parts
in Mathematics (cont.)
Ask any adult who studied Latin or Greek in
grade or high school, and that adult will extol
the virtues of teaching Latin and Greek to all
students. This is because most modern English
words originated from these languages. This is
particularly important in mathematics, where
students encounter a large number of Greek- and
Latin-based words. Teachers can do a similar
activity with common Greek and Latin root words.
Make a list of words that contain Greek or Latin
roots, and ask students to identify and define the
root. Teachers can also group words with common
roots together and ask students to determine what
the root means.
Ryder and Graves (2003) also suggest that teachers
use direct instruction to teach common Greek
and Latin roots as well as prefixes and suffixes.
Mathematics teachers can teach the word parts
that are most useful in mathematics, that appear
most frequently in the reading material, and
that will appear in contexts outside mathematics
class. It is important to provide students with a
resource to locate the definitions of word parts as
they read independently. Mathematics teachers
should create bulletin boards of common roots,
prefixes, and suffixes with examples of words that
include the word parts and provide students with
comprehensive lists to keep in their notebooks for
easy reference. See pages 46–47 for a list of Greek
and Latin roots.
Words with Root
Root Word/Meaning
cent, century, centimeter, cent = one hundred
percent, percentage
circle, circumference,
circumscribe, circular
circ, circum = around
centimeter, kilometer,
metric
meter, metr = measure
probable, probability,
probabilities
prob = to prove, test
intersect, intersecting,
bisect
sect = cut
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#50055—Reading Strategies for Mathematics
© Shell Education
Vocabulary Strategies for the Analysis of
Word Parts in Mathematics (cont.)
Root Word Tree
Background Information
Differentiation
The Root Word Tree is a graphic organizer that
allows students to examine a single vocabulary
word for its different word parts. When using the
graphic organizer, students locate an unknown
word, write it at the base of the tree, and break
apart the word into recognizable chunks to help
them decipher its meaning. They also can write
down additional words that are associated with the
word parts to help them remember the definition.
ELLs should have the target vocabulary word
selected for them and written in the box. They
will benefit from working in small heterogeneous
groups to lower their anxiety levels and to practice
sharing ideas in a small-group setting prior to
sharing with the entire class. ELLs may also need
a dictionary as a reference tool. Gifted students
should be encouraged to use reference tools to
examine the words more closely and research the
etymology of the words and the meaning of the
word parts. Students reading below grade level
will benefit from teacher scaffolding. Write some
of the word parts or associated words on the tree to
help students understand the process.
Grade Levels/Standards Addressed
Grades 1–2 (Standard 5.4)
Grades 3–5 (Standard 5.4)
Activity
The reading selection should contain some words
that are unknown to the students. Instruct the
students to locate an unknown word that is essential
to their understanding of the passage. Tell them
to write the word in the box at the base of the tree
on the Root Word Tree graphic organizer (page
39). Next, have students break up the word and
place the word parts on the large limbs of the tree.
Ask students to write down other words with those
same word parts on the branches of the tree. After
having students work independently or in small
groups, lead the whole class in a discussion and
review session in which the students present and
share their work.
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Vocabulary Strategies for the Analysis of
Word Parts in Mathematics (cont.)
Root Word Tree (cont.)
Grades 1–2 Example
ts
rect
triple
ang
le
Directions: Write the unknown word in the box at the base of the tree. Break up the word into parts, and
write the parts on the limbs. Think of other words that include the parts, and write those on the branches.
tri (th
tricycle
rectangula
r
angle
ree)
triangle
Grades 3–5 Example
Directions: Write the unknown word in the box at the base of the tree. Break up the word into parts, and
write the parts on the limbs. Think of other words that include the parts, and write those on the branches.
rm
centur y
persuade
pe
nti
ce
it
perspire
r
per
(thr
t(
oug
cen
h)
ed)
dr
hun
te
me
centipede
percent
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#50055—Reading Strategies for Mathematics
© Shell Education
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Root Word Tree
Directions: Write the unknown word in the box at the base of the tree. Break up the word into parts, and
write the parts on the limbs. Think of other words that include the parts, and write those on the branches.
© Shell Education
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