Parent Tips: Greek & Latin Roots

While it’s not strictly necessary to learn Greek and Latin roots to write well, taking the time to understand the history and building blocks of our language will make it easier for your child to grow their vocabulary, improve their spelling, and pick their way through Romance Languages. English is a Germanic language with many other influences, but over 60% of all English words have Greek or Latin roots and over 90% of science and technology vocabulary words have Greek or Latin roots. (See The Greek & Latin Roots of English by Tamara M. Green for more information.) Plus, it’s just plain interesting.

Your child may already be familiar enough with Greek and Latin roots to recognize roots in our practice items that we haven’t yet taught in the vocabulary words. We will assume that most children do not yet know these roots, and our examples will reflect this, but it’s also totally fine and wonderful for your child to highlight additional roots in the vocabulary words in these practices.

We include a link to all the Greek and Latin roots we cover in the level for all root practice items. Unless your child has a photographic memory, it’s helpful to have this list on hand when they’re doing these practices.