Building Vocabulary This focus of the building vocabulary program is to help students recognize how roots – prefixes, bases, and suffixes – can help readers understand or infer the meanings of words. Knowing common roots can help readers when they encounter unfamiliar words. Below is a list of all of the prefixes, bases, and suffixes we will be studying this year:
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The roots are taught in sequence, and as we learn new roots, previously introduced roots will be reviewed and used within the context of the new word parts. The program is organized into units of six lessons, each lesson lasting for one week. The units introduced one root each week for five weeks, and then spends the sixth week reviewing all of the roots from that unit.
Each week, your child will receive a graphic reference sheet to define and illustrate words using the week's root. The students will glue the sheets in their vocabulary journals to use as regular references. The focus is on meaning, not spelling. Though we expect students to be able to accurately spell the prefixes and suffixes on the words, it is equally important, if not more so, that they know the meanings of the roots. They can demonstrate and build their understand of the words' meanings by: |
• describing situations where one might use the word
• identifying synonyms or antonyms for the words
• creating words in the same word family with related meanings
• compose sentences that show the meaning of the word
For instance, if the word is "protest":
• identifying synonyms or antonyms for the words
• creating words in the same word family with related meanings
• compose sentences that show the meaning of the word
For instance, if the word is "protest":
SITUATION• workers might protest about unfair working conditions or low pay
• citizens might protest a law that discriminates some individuals • kids might protest if their favorite cafeteria food was no longer offered |
SYNONYMS/ANTONYMSsynonyms: object, complain, dissent, challenge, disagree, demonstration
antonyms: agree, approve, accept, comply |
WORD FAMILYprotesting
protested protester protestation |
SENTENCESWhen the factory cut the workers pay and increased their hours, the employees launched a strike to protest the decision.
"It's not fair!" Brian protested. "Why do I have to go to bed now and Emily can stay up?" |