English From the Roots Up Volume I

This book is designed to help in reading, writing, spelling and SAT scores by building vocabulary. Using 63 Latin and 37 Greek word cards, English derivatives are taught from their original roots.

The book is very simply designed. Each page, single sided, offers one root word in a box, or sample card, at the top of the page. The cards are color-coded, red for Latin, green for Greek, and they are clearly labeled. Below the first box is a second, which offers the meaning of the root, and also a number of words which derive their meaning from the root. The last third of the page offers teaching notes, which provide interesting historical background of words and additional derivatives at times. See samples (below) for how this looks.

While ready-made cards are available, the idea of the program is for each students to make their own cards. This makes the program totally adjustable: your second grader can write just the root and it's meaning if you wish; your sixth grader can design a card with root, meaning and derivatives of your choice; and your 10th grader could re-create the whole card. It's up to you! By making their own cards, they are reading, processing and writing. And then each student has a self-made product for review. An effective approach if you are at least somewhat disciplined!

In other words, English from the Roots Up is a very flexible program; students will enjoy making their own vocabulary cards as they work through the book; and they will learn plenty!

Here's all you need to begin a full year of teaching and learning:

• Sanford Magic Markers (Red, Blue, and Green)
• 100-150 3"x5" index cards for each child
• A recipe file box for each child's card collection
• A whiteboard and markers