In order to gain an understanding of root words, students should first become familiar with common root words and their definitions. Since most root words are Greek or Latin in origin, translating the roots will help students gain an understanding of the words that contain them. Select a few common root words and write them on the board: "nat" and "ject," for example. Discuss words that contain the root words and ask students if they can infer the meanings of the root words. For example, the word "eject" may come to mind for the root word "ject." Talk about the meaning of the word "eject" and then inform students that the root of the word is "ject." Ask them if they can determine the meaning of the root word.
This lesson shows students how new words are created when prefixes and suffixes are applied to root words. Write a common root word on the board, "aqua," for example. Provide students with the meaning of the root word -- in this case, water -- and encourage them to apply prefixes or suffixes to turn the root word into different words. For example, they may create the words "aquarium," "aquatic" and "aqueduct."
To test students' understanding of root words, have them sort words based on their roots. Write root words on the board, as well as a collection of words that contain the root words. For example, you may choose the root words "bio" and "aud." Students should write the words "biology" and "biography" under the word "bio" and write "auditorium" and "audible" under the word "aud."
Have students highlight root words in a given set of words to further illustrate their understanding of roots. Create worksheets that contain words containing roots that students are familiar with: "carnivorous," "bibliography" and "cryptic," for example. Instruct students to read the words and highlight the root in each word. Turn this lesson into a competitive activity by having students race to highlight the root words and name the person who finishes the task first the winner.