Root Analysis
What is it and what does the research say?
Root analysis is the breakdown and identification of roots within an unknown word. Students can relate previously known words with the new unknown word based on commonalities in root (and prefix/suffix). It has been shown that “adolescent readers can use root word and affix knowledge to parse the meaning of such words” (Pacheco, & Goodwin, 2013). But how can you as a teacher get your young students to adopt root analysis in the classroom?
Research shows that “by teaching secondary students specific word meanings through explicit direct instruction, along with techniques such as semantic feature analysis or the keyword method, teachers encourage students to develop deep understandings of words" (Ebbers, & Denton, 2008). This can be an invaluable tool for them in other classes, at home, or at work. Examples of root analysisAs outlined by Pacheco, & Goodwin (2013), the root usually contains more information about the meaning than the prefix or suffix. By having students use these roots to create new words, whether real or made up, with prefixes and suffixes, they can garner a better understanding of what the root means and how it can be used.
One example of a root analysis table can be seen below. Two very common root origins can be from Latin and Greek words. A table like the one below can be used to have students look up root meanings and find example words to discover the connected nature of the root. For example, the word "spec, spect" meaning "to look at" is seen in "inspect" and "spectator." Two words which include the action "to look at." This can be extended by having students writing new sentences using works that contain the root they just identified the meaning for. |
Video Examples of Root Analysis
This first video does a wonderful job helping to explain the difference between roots and suffixes. Some good information can be garnered on ways to teach breaking up words and finding the root. It is lengthy, so I would suggest watching over it to get your own understanding of identifying roots and how to use them. It does not go into much depth about conducting root analysis beyond writing down the actual
|
http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/science-vocabulary-concepts-study-skills-word-parts.html#lesson
How to use root analysis to help break down difficult science words. What is neat about this video link is it contains a quiz and study guide for students to follow. The language used is at a upper elementary to middle school level. |
Online Resources for Root Analysis
https://academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/as/506.HTM
A large list of common root words
http://www.literacyleader.com/sites/litlead.essdack.org/files/prefix%20suffix%20root.pdf
Word roots separated by grade level
http://www.lethbridgecollege.net/elearningcafe/images/stories/pdf/structural_analysis.pdf
A large common word parts list
http://www.lethbridgecollege.net/elearningcafe/index.php/studyskills/vocabulary-development/structural-analysis-exercises
Root word exercises
http://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/curriculum_files/pdfs/newsevents/Teaching%20Vocabulary%20from%20Word%20Roots_An%20Instructional%20Routine%20for%20Elementary%20Grades.pdf
Suggestion for teaching roots at an elementary level
A large list of common root words
http://www.literacyleader.com/sites/litlead.essdack.org/files/prefix%20suffix%20root.pdf
Word roots separated by grade level
http://www.lethbridgecollege.net/elearningcafe/images/stories/pdf/structural_analysis.pdf
A large common word parts list
http://www.lethbridgecollege.net/elearningcafe/index.php/studyskills/vocabulary-development/structural-analysis-exercises
Root word exercises
http://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/curriculum_files/pdfs/newsevents/Teaching%20Vocabulary%20from%20Word%20Roots_An%20Instructional%20Routine%20for%20Elementary%20Grades.pdf
Suggestion for teaching roots at an elementary level
References
Ebbers, S. M., & Denton, C. A. (2008). A Root Awakening: Vocabulary Instruction for Older Students with Reading Difficulties. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice (Wiley-Blackwell), 23(2), 90-102. doi:10.1111/j.1540-5826.2008.00267.x
Pacheco, M. B., & Goodwin, A. P. (2013). Putting Two and Two Together: Middle School Students' Morphological Problem-Solving Strategies For Unknown Words. Journal Of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 56(7), 541-553. doi:10.1002/JAAL.181
Pacheco, M. B., & Goodwin, A. P. (2013). Putting Two and Two Together: Middle School Students' Morphological Problem-Solving Strategies For Unknown Words. Journal Of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 56(7), 541-553. doi:10.1002/JAAL.181