Diane L. HeilemanJune 1, 2014

Ancient Greek Words – How they’re used today

CCSS

English Language Arts Standards – Language

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.4.DVerify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.4.BUse common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., precede, recede, secede).

Estimated Time: 2 sessions

Background Information:

Many English words that are used today are derived from ancient Greek words. Ancient Greek culture and especially Greek mythology has also had a huge affect on the English language today. Even the Greek word mythos means “word”, “speech” or “message”. Early Greeks were very curious about the world, relationships, life, and why things happen. Their stories, or myths, began as a way to explain life and guide the morals of their people. Those early myths have lived on with many English words having roots in Greek history.

Purpose:

The purpose of these lessons is to introduce to students three forms for Greek words that are used in English today. First, English words that have their roots in Greek mythology, second, Ancient Greek words used in English today, and third, common Greek root words. Greek root words are the building blocks of thousands of English words. Chronology, biology, gigabytes, bicycle, telescope, octopus, hypnotize, — the list goes on an on — all these words contain one or two Greek roots. Knowledge of word roots and their meaning is important and useful for our students because it gives them the ability to decode the meaning of unfamiliar words in a variety of situations.

Materials:

The materials will be provided by the teacher.

1. Greek Language: Roots of English Words in Greek Mythology http://reference.yourdictionary.com/resources/roots-english-words-greek-mythology.html

2. Mythology Vocabulary Word List – Interactive Puzzles website: http://www.myvocabulary.com/word-game-puzzles/mythology-vocabulary/

3. 3 Handouts. Roots of English Words in Greek Mythology Ancient Greek Words Common Greek Root Words used in English Today

4. Website: Encyclopedia.com

Concepts:

1. Many familiar words are derived from Greek myths.

2. Many English words are derived from ancient Greek words.

3. Many common Greek root words are used in English today.

Lessons (3 Sessions):

To do this we will do each of the following:

Familiar words derived from Greek Myths:

1. Instructor will distribute the “Roots of English Words in Greek Mythology” handout.

2. Students will research the listed words and research and write about the contemporary relationship. Examples: the Greek gods “Nike” and “Atlas” and how Nike and atlas are used today. (Groups could be formed to do the work as a team.)

3. When students have completed the form they’ll share their results with the rest of the class

English words derived from ancient Greek words:

1. Instructor will distribute the “Ancient Greek words” handout.

2. Students will the dictionary to research the meaning of the words and use those words in sentences.

3. When students have completed their research they’ll share their results with the rest of the class.

Common Greek root words are used in English today

1. Instructor will discuss the meaning of root words.

2. Instructor will distribute the “Common Greek Root Words used in English Today” handout.

2. Students will break into groups. Each group will research 10 root words and give 3 examples of words using that root and the words meanings. For example: “Auto” (referring to the self) 1. Automobile 2. Automatic. and 3. Autobiography.

3. Students will present their answers to the class with discussion.

Assessment Tools

1. Research and written completion of the handouts using the rubrics.

2. Participation in classroom discussions.