Exploring Word Parts: Affixes and Roots in ELA Standards

Nancy Chaney, a reading specialist, introduces fifth-grade students to affixes, prefixes, suffixes, and Greek and Latin roots. The video explains how these word parts help define new words and determine their meanings. It covers common prefixes like 'in-', 'sub-', and 'trans-', and suffixes such as '-ed', '-able', and '-ing'. The tutorial also explores Greek roots like 'bio' and 'auto', and Latin roots like 'ject' and 'circum'. Students are encouraged to learn these word parts to enhance their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

What is the role of affixes in word formation?

• To connect words in sentences

• To change the spelling of words

• To make words shorter

• To create new words by adding specific meanings

Which of the following is a function of stems in word formation?

• To indicate tense

• To pluralize nouns

• To form the base to which affixes can be attached

• To connect sentences

What does the prefix 'sub-' mean?

• Over

• Above

• Under

• Across

Which prefix means 'not'?

• in-

• sub-

• trans-

• semi-

How is the suffix '-ing' used?

• To indicate past tense

• To make adjectives

• To form nouns

• To indicate present participle

Which suffix indicates the state or condition of being?

• -ing

• -able

• -ful

• -ness

What does the Greek root 'bio' mean?

• Self

• Far

• Life

• Water

What does the Latin root 'aqua' stand for?

• Voice

• Around

• Water

• Strength

What is the meaning of the prefix 'hyper-'?

• Half

• Under

• Across

• Over or too much

Why is it important to understand Greek and Latin roots?

• To spell words correctly

• To create new words

• To grasp the meaning of many English words

• To understand the history of words