More than Memorizing: Using Morphology to Teach Roots & Affixes

Jennifer Hadlock-Young, Binford MS

Jennifer Poore Bentley, Henderson MS

WHAT IS

MORPHOLOGY?

“Students’ understanding of morphology is a better predictor of reading comprehension than vocabulary level.”

(Kieffer & Lesaux, 2007)

TODAY’S GOALS

Understand how to use morphological analysis as a framework for root word and affix instruction

Practice a sequence of sorts that can be used to introduce students to the structure of words and their parts

Acquire a routine for teaching the definitions of roots and affixes

Create a list of word parts for your department to teach that is vertically aligned across grade levels

Principle #1

Students need to know about the

etymology of words.

Borrowed Words

and Cognates Sort

Principle #2

Students need to identify the base

of words.

4 Words Morpheme Structures

Sort

Principle #3

Students need to know how to identify the parts of words.

Affixes Foldable

Principle #4

Students need to know how to dissect the parts of words.

AffixSort

Word Dissect

Principle #6

Students need to combine morphemic

elements while focusing word

meaning.

Meaningful Affixes

Tips for Using Stations and Sorts

• Number or color code materials for each group• Keep loose sorts in envelopes; avoid clips and

rubber bands• Group sorts can be done on the floor (or use

trays)• Have everything cut and prepared beforehand• Timers are your friend (

http://www.online-stopwatch.com)• Assign group roles• Directions and modeling are key• Bold or color code heading for sorts

What’s next?

• Word harvesting using word walls and word hunts• Vocabulary journals• Word ladders• Word trees• Word webs• Word a week• Daily word routine

Balance memorizing with morphemic

analysis

5 Day Routine for Teaching Roots

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5

Introduce the word part (root or affix)

Practice with words in sentences, analogies, etc. that help students make meaning of the root

Read texts that contain the root word being studied

Deep exploration through additional activities

Reinforce learning with games

Assessment

Which words

should I teach?

Why is teaching roots and affixes

more than memorization?

Resources

www.readwritethink.org

www.fcrr.org

http://www.timrasinski.com/