Greek & Latin Root Words: The Secret to Stronger Readers and Writers

Guest blog post provided by 
Laura Kebart of LanguageArtsTeachers.com

Spoiler alert: Teaching Greek and Latin root words isn't just another vocabulary task to check off the list. It's a game-changing, brain-building, time-saving literacy strategy that pays dividends across every subject. Math teachers will thank you when their students decode "polygon" and say they learned “how to do root words” in English class.

Whether you're managing a full class of students or guiding learning around the kitchen table at home, root word instruction is one of the most versatile and impactful tools in your teaching toolbox.

So let’s dig into the why, the how, and the "Ooh-I-can-use-this-tomorrow!" ideas to make root word instruction both fun and fuss-free.

Why Teaching Root Words Deserves Consistency All Year Long

1. Root words unlock thousands of other vocabulary words.

​Teaching Greek & Latin root words is like giving your students a cheat sheet for 60% of the English language. Over 60% of English words come from Latin or Greek languages. Knowing just 30–50 high-frequency roots can help kids decipher thousands of unfamiliar words. This isn't only for ELA class, either—it's a vocabulary growth superpower for science, social studies, and math.

2. Root word instruction supports struggling readers and English learners.

When students understand word parts, they become more confident in breaking down unfamiliar words. For EL/ESL students especially, roots offer a reliable starting point into new vocabulary.

3. It builds long-term word recognition and fluency.

Instead of memorizing isolated words, students start to recognize patterns. That means better spelling, smoother reading, and stronger writing.

4. It’s SAT/ACT prep before they even know it.

Most academic vocabulary on standardized tests is rooted (literally) in Greek or Latin. The earlier students learn them, the better prepared they are to comprehend and analyze more complex reading selections as they grow.

5. It integrates seamlessly with any curriculum.

Whether you teach literature, informational text, test prep, or creative writing, root words can sneak into just about any lesson, which means it’s not a one-time lesson that you have to figure out a time or day to teach. Root words are meant to be embedded in small pieces all along the way as part of the overall learning experience.

​But I Don’t Have Time for One More Thing!

Yup. I get it! The teacher (and homeschool parent) to-do list is already longer than the last Target receipt you accidentally unrolled in the checkout line.

The good news? Root word instruction doesn’t have to be time-consuming, formal, or overwhelming. In fact, the best strategies are the ones that take just minutes a day and weave effortlessly into what you’re already doing.

Here are some no-prep or low-prep ways to work Greek and Latin root words into your routine all year long:

1. Word of the Week (a.k.a. Root of the Week!)

Pick a root word (like "tele" or "aqua") and feature it for a week. Display it on a whiteboard, poster, or sticky note.

• Set a timer and challenge students to fast-write a list of as many words that contain the root as they can think of in that amount of time.
• Share responses, and then have students collect words that use the root throughout the week.
• End the week with a mini root word quiz or word scavenger hunt

Homeschool twist: Turn it into a fun family challenge—who can find the most real-life uses of that root throughout the week?

2. Root Word Slides Game (No lesson planning required!)

Use a pre-made Google Slides game (like the free one right here) as a station, early finisher activity, or brain break. It’s self-paced, interactive, and zero-prep for the win.

• Great for digital stations or sub plans
• Perfect for homeschool game time or independent practice
• Reinforces meaning, context, and spelling all at once

3. Quickfire Root Word Riddles

Once a week or so, throw out a little root word riddle like:

"I have a root that means 'write' and I help you send messages. What am I?"

(A: Telegram)

Let students guess, write or discuss their answers, or even create their own riddles! Easy to do in a few minutes with no materials needed—other than a few root words plus definitions to work with and a bit of creative thinking.

In fact, to give you head start if you like that strategy, here are a few more riddles:

🔍​Quickfire Root Word Riddles

🧠 I’m a root that means “mind.”
📚 You’ll find me in a word for someone who sees a therapist.
What root am I?
➡️ "psych" (like in psychologist)

💬 I’m a root that means “say” or “speak.”
🎤 You’ll find me in a word that means someone gives a speech to a crowd.
What root am I?
➡️ "dict" (like in predict or dictate)

​👀 I’m a root that means “see.”
🎥 You’ll spot me in a word that describes a performance for an audience.
What root am I?
➡️ "spec" (like in spectator or inspect)

🔈 I’m a root that means “sound.”
🎧 You’ll hear me in a word that describes how something sounds the same.
What root am I?
➡️ "son" (like in sonic or unison)

​4. Root Word Anchor Chart Wall

​Work on building a visual reference wall (or folder) throughout the year. Every time you introduce a new root, add it to the wall with student-suggested words and definitions.
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• Great for visual learners
• Helps connect new words to old ones
• Can be built physically or digitally

Homeschool tip: Use a tri-fold display board or notebook for a growing root word reference book!

5. Integrate with Any Reading Passage

Reading a novel? An article? A poem? Pause and spotlight any words that feature Greek or Latin roots.
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• Ask: "What part of this word looks familiar?" or "Can we break it into parts?"
• Students start to see roots everywhere, which builds confidence and curiosity
• Use it as a mini-vocab moment in the context of real reading

Ready for more?

To celebrate root words and make it super easy to dive in, I’m giving away my Greek & Latin Root Words Google Slides Game for FREE! Originally designed for middle school aged students, I’ve enjoyed seeing teachers and homeschool parents in elementary and high school make use of the game, so all are welcome.

Root Words = Big Wins With Low Lift

Teaching Greek and Latin roots isn’t just for your most academic students or your test prep days. It’s a consistent, bite-sized way to grow word knowledge, build confidence, and help students make meaningful connections across all content areas.

Plus, it’s fun.

So whether you're a teacher juggling 150 students or a parent wrangling 3 kids and a dog during homeschool science, root words can become your go-to strategy for deeper literacy that lasts.

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Laura Kebart is the founder of LanguageArtsTeachers.com, where she helps busy middle
school ELA teachers go home earlier without sacrificing student engagement. With 20+ years of
experience and a passion for making lesson planning teacher-friendly, she’s the mastermind
behind resources that actually work in real classrooms. When she’s not creating time-saving
curriculum or hosting the annual MSELA Summit, you’ll find her running marathons—for fun.

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What’s your favorite Greek or Latin root to teach—and why?

Have your students ever surprised you by using a root to figure out a new word?

What’s your go-to five-minute literacy strategy when time is tight?

How could root word riddles fit into your current routine?

What changes have you noticed when students start spotting word parts across subjects?
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​Please leave your comments below.  
Your feedback is always appreciated.

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