Copy work and Latin/Greek stems list 1 & 2
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As I noted in the Labor Day Special post, I have developed Latin / Greek stem study lists over the last decade for use with my children and students of my classical homeschool co-op. My entire study set comprises 200 stems divided into groups of 10. They are roughly divided into more common stems first, progressing on to slightly more complex stems in later lists. Because more than half of commonly used English words, and over 90% of multisyllabic ‘big’ words derived from Latin, learning even just 100 of the most common Latin (and Greek) stems gives your student access to at least 5000 English words. Thus, spending just 10 to 15 minutes on stem study a day, is an incredibly potent time investment.
Copy Work
My mother tongue is Swiss-German1, and when I first started learning a second language (French), I found copying new vocabulary by hand highly effective. I didn’t just copy the word once, but five times. I would speak the word out loud while writing it, activating auditory learning, while the physical motion made me reflect on the word, and would add a kinetic layer. I continued using this strategy when I started learning English (at age 13), and when adding other languages later (Spanish and Macedonian).
When I teach new vocabulary, stems, or definitions to my children and students, I encourage them to thoughtfully copy the words by hand, rather than just memorizing them verbally. Research studies such as this one, demonstrate that, “learning is more effective when accompanied by handwriting”. Additionally, information that is written in cursive is even better remembered, than when it is noted down in print script. Thus, you will find space for students to copy the stems and definitions on each practice sheet.
I would recommend that you print the sheets and create a binder for Latin / Greek stem study, or add them to a separate section in your language arts binder (if you keep one).
Schedule
A suggested schedule for studying the weekly stem lists might look like this:
Day 1: Copy stems, definitions, and examples
Day 2: Review stems with flashcards; write five example sentences
Day 3: Review stems with flashcards; write five example sentences
Day 4: Review stems with flashcards; complete the weekly quiz
If you have young children, you can adjust the weekly schedule. You may want to simply start by introducing two or three stems each week. There is no need for hurry.
Organizing the study of stems in this fashion will ensure continuous review and also offer a sense of accomplishment for your student when looking back over the mastered stems. I have used this method for years with my own students, culminating each term with a mammoth 100-stem quiz. Amazingly, all students who kept up regular study over the term (even just 5-10 minutes a day), had little difficulty attaining a perfect (or near perfect) score.
It is a true pleasure to witness the mastery of stems growing into a deeper understanding of the English language. Don’t feel surprised if your child begins to comment on the meaning of words such as pseudonym (false - name), cacophony (bad - sound), psychology (soul - study of), or confidence (with - faith).