Eighth graders participate in a variety of activities to examine the meanings and roots of word derivatives and the meanings of words. Using context clues, they determine the meanings of words omitted from a passage and complete a prefix...

Understanding a word's etymology can really help with decoding and building vocabulary skills. Readers compare and contrast words of similar origins but with different difficulty levels. They focus on prefixes, suffixes, and affixes....

Students explore the definition and derivation of the popular usage of abbreviations in the English language. Using worksheets and lecture materials, students provide meanings for the abbreviation "prenup" when used as an word. They...

Students probe the impact of Greek and Latin on the English language in this ten lesson unit. Root words are analyzed for their origins and displayed on a word wall. Inventions are created using the words and placed in a class museum.

Students identify the common prefixes and suffixes used in the English language. They dissect a word into its various (root, prefix, suffix) parts and use a dictionary to determine the proper usage and derivation of each word part. ...

Students study how British surnames were derived from locations. They observe that some of the more common names are still prevalent today.

Students explore the derivations and usage of common slang terms. Through internet research and discussion, students consider the Latin and Greek roots of contemporary slang terms. Groups complete an etymology chart documenting their...

High schoolers are introduced to Latin and Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes. They are given a lesson on ten root words that students identify the correct meaning of the words. High schoolers design cards that are divided into four parts.

Students explore the definition and derivation of the popular term "bling" and other sound-symbolic words. Using worksheets and lecture materials, students provide meanings for the word "bling" when used in varying contexts. They...

Pupils explore the definition and derivation of popular internet vocabulary. Using worksheets and lecture materials, students provide meanings for the word blog and other words used to describe working on the internet. They consider the...

Young scholars explore the definition and derivation of the popular usage of shorten compound nouns. Using worksheets and lecture materials, students provide meanings for the word "cell" when used in varying contexts. They also consider...

Young scholars select vocabulary words from their reading each week then complete a card for each word which includes definition, source and a sample sentence. They share their cards with the class and complete vocabulary building cards...

Learners research one assigned vocabulary word and prepare a short teaching activity and memory aid to present with the word to the class. They take notes on all the new vocabulary words presented to them by other classmates then they...

Students explore the definition and derivation of the popular word "cred." Using worksheets and lecture materials, students provide meanings for the word when used in varying contexts and when used as a phrase. They also consider the...

As your class finishes the novel Dragonwings, use these culminating projects. A vocabulary list is given for chapters eleven and twelve and either an epitaph or letter activity concludes the book. The final project consists of creating a...

Learners explore the definition and derivation of the popular usage of the word bless to talk about sweet or cute things. Using worksheets and lecture materials, students provide meanings for the word "bless" when used in varying contexts.

Students read, discuss and derive vocabulary words from current events. After discussing the rigors of competition and personal experiences, students read about a prize for good African leadership. In groups, they research other...

Students explore the Manifest Destiny. They interpret quotations, study point of view in writing, research English words that derived from Mexico, and analyze reasons why settlers moved west. After writing journal entries in first-person...

First graders explore reading comprehension by reading Curious George books in class. In this vocabulary expansion lesson, 1st graders read the book Curious George Takes a Job and analyze the easy vocabulary terms as well as "tier 2"...

Students examine basic information about diabetes and related vocabulary words. They explore various health websites, complete a worksheet, discuss the worksheet answers and discuss diabetes myths vs. facts.

Students explore how certain foods come to be certified "organic." They write the words "organic" and "synthetic" and given the definitions of each. Students are given dictionaries. They are asked: "What is organic food?" Students grow...

Students examine the role of the explorers. In this explorers and conquistadors, students create word puzzles (Wordles) regarding the time period in history. Students conduct research regarding a particular explorer and create foldables...

Students analyze the characters and conflicts in Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream. In this conflict resolution lesson, students read the play and track the character actions with the specific plots. Students then predict endings...

Young scholars use context clues to derive meaning for unknown vocabulary.