Give students a master key for unlocking new vocabulary. These science root word games help students learn the meanings of the Greek word parts THERM (heat), METER (measure), GEO (Earth), SCOPE (to see), LOGY/OLOGY (the study of), and BIO (life) and use them to figure out words like thermostat, speedometer, geography, telescope, mythology, and biography.
The games are aligned to Words Their Way: Word Sorts for Derivational Relations Spellers (3rd Edition), Unit 5, Sort 22, but they work alongside any Greek and Latin roots program, word study, or spelling block. They're designed for students in the early to middle Derivational Relations stage who already understand how prefixes and suffixes contribute to a word's meaning, and they were developed with 3rd-6th graders in mind.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Periscope Pursuit Board Game (Partner Game)
Students take turns spinning and moving their pawns along the game board path, filling in the missing word part to complete each word. Trying different word parts helps students see which one makes sense, and the recording sheet has them write a definition that connects to the meaning of the word part.
- Teacher directions
- Board game in 2 versions
- Double spinners
- Student-friendly directions
- Recording sheet
- Answer key
Four in a Row (Independent Activity)
Students spin a spinner and cover a definition, sentence, or image that matches the root or word part they spun, trying to get four in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. The recording sheet has students record their moves and the meaning of each root, then write a sentence.
- Teacher directions
- 4 word boards
- 2 spinners with student-friendly directions
- Recording sheet
- Answer key
ALSO INCLUDED
- Black and white and color versions of everything
- Word list of all included words
- Answer keys for both activities
HOW THIS RESOURCE HELPS YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS
- Builds vocabulary and morphology skills along with spelling
- Connects each word's definition to the meaning of its root or word part
- Works for partner centers, small groups, early finishers, and independent practice
- Recording sheets build in accountability and quick assessment
- Uses the same game formats as the rest of Unit 5, so students don't have to learn new rules each week
- Ready to print and use with very little prep
Want every game in this unit? This game set is included in the Latin and Greek Word Parts Unit 5 Derivational Relations Games Bundle | Roots, Prefixes, Suffixes | Morphology Activities, so you can get all of the Unit 5 games together and save.
ABOUT THE DERIVATIONAL RELATIONS STAGE
This stage is where students begin connecting spelling with meaning on a deeper level. Typically spanning grades 4-6 and beyond, students at this level are proficient with foundational spelling patterns and ready to explore advanced word study concepts. Instruction focuses on prefixes, suffixes, derivational suffixes, consonant and vowel alternation, and the study of Latin and Greek roots. By analyzing how words are built, students strengthen spelling while expanding vocabulary and overall language skills.
NEED PRINTABLES FOR THE ENTIRE DERIVATIONAL RELATIONS LEVEL?
See the Derivational Relations Printable Bundle (contains all 4 resources)
Or, Shop By Activity:
- Word Study Notebook
- Word Searches
- Fill in the Blank Word List Activity
- Weekly Spelling Homework & Word Lists
Copyright © Tammy Roose, Tarheelstate Teacher.
The purchase of this resource gives the buyer permission to download and copy for single classroom use only. Electronic distribution is also limited to single classroom use. Copying for other teachers, school-wide use, or school systems is only allowed with the purchase of additional licenses.
