0. Getting to the ROOT of vocabulary comprehension
An Intro to Word Roots
Getting to the ROOT of vocabulary comprehension

1. The English Language Is…

2. So, What is your first step?

3. The same strategy works with words…

4. Instead of Colors You Use…
Word Roots:
Greek and Latin Roots
Prefixes
Suffixes

5. Your results
You can figure out hundreds of words at a time by learning one root.
90% of English words containing two or more syllables come from Greek or Latin roots.

6. More Reasons...
Most of the academic words in English (e.g., math and science words) are derived from Latin and Greek.
Most of the more challenging multisyllabic words in English are derived from Latin and Greek.
A single Latin or Greek root or affix (word pattern) can be found in and aid in the understanding (as well as decoding and encoding) of 20 or more English words.

7. Combine with Reading for Maximum Effect!
Word stem studies work when you combine them with ample time to read. According to Richard Allington, the time spent reading in class is critical to vocabulary acquisition. Consider these numbers, tied to achievement:
Achievement Percentile         Min. Read/Day                 Words/Year Exposure
90th                                             40.4                                  2,357,000
50th                                             12.9                                  601,000
10th                                             1.6                                    51,000

8. Taking Notes: How to Organize
Side 1: Vocab Terms/Roots/Prefixes/Suffixes
Side 2: Definitions and Examples
Prefix
Suffix
Root
CRED
Credulous
Incredulous
In-
-ous
Placed at the beginning of a root to change meaning.
Placed at the ending of a root to change meaning.
A simple word part that holds meaning.
Believe
Believe too easily/gullible
Does not believe easily/skeptical
NOT
FULL OF

9. A Word You Know: INCREDIBLE: Prefix: Root: (etymology) Suffix:
Definition:

10. A more challenging word:
INCREDULOUS:
Prefix:
Root:
Suffix:
Definition: