Classical Word Roots

Product Description

Classical Word Roots Student Book

Discover the stories behind words and the Greek and Latin roots that continue to shape the English language.

The English language is filled with treasures from the ancient world. Behind familiar words lie roots that reveal their meanings, histories, and connections to other ideas. Classical Word Roots invites young learners to make these discoveries for themselves.

Written by Mara Matteoli and published by Kolbe Academy Press, this engaging introduction to classical word study is designed for younger elementary students and recommended for Grade 3. Students begin with two lessons on the Greek alphabet, followed by 26 lessons exploring Greek and Latin roots and their English derivatives.

Rather than simply memorizing vocabulary, students learn to recognize the building blocks of words, discover patterns, and use familiar roots to approach new words with greater understanding. Cross-disciplinary readings, writing practice, flashcard study, quizzes, and cumulative review connect language study to Scripture, history, science, mathematics, literature, grammar, art, and classical culture.

Student Book Details

What's Included

• Suggested four-day daily plan and complete four-quarter scope and sequence
• Two introductory lessons on the Greek alphabet, including writing and reading practice
• 26 additional lessons on Greek and Latin roots and their English derivatives
• Daily directions and activities within each lesson
• Cross-disciplinary readings connecting word study to other subjects and classical culture
• Root-and-derivative study pages with definitions and examples
• Derivative-writing practice and creative vocabulary exercises
• 28 lesson quizzes, including opportunities for creative application
• Four cumulative quarterly tests
• Root-word vocabulary drill pages for regular review
• Word Tracker game board encouraging vocabulary use in conversation
• Certificate of completion

A Clear Weekly Rhythm

After two introductory lessons on the Greek alphabet, students follow a manageable four-day sequence combining memorization, discovery, application, and review. The Student Book includes the general daily plan as well as specific directions within each lesson.

The Word Tracker game board encourages students to use learned vocabulary in everyday conversation, extending word study beyond written exercises.

Where Language Meets Faith and Learning

What do constellations, Roman numerals, and the Nicene Creed have in common?

Each offers students an opportunity to discover connections between classical language, civilization, and the Catholic faith.

In Classical Word Roots, students encounter Christ as the Logos, explore Greek and Latin roots behind words such as astronomer and constellation, study Roman numerals, and learn about the historical origins of the Nicene Creed.

Other lessons introduce writing in ancient Greece, the Greek language in Scripture, the solar system, Greek philosophy and sculpture, Roman mosaics and aqueducts, scientific naming, and the Marian title Stella Maris.

These are not isolated vocabulary exercises. They invite students to look more closely at words, recognize relationships across subjects, and discover how the languages of Greece and Rome continue to shape the world of learning.

Course Information

Classical Word Roots introduces younger elementary students to the Greek and Latin roots that form the building blocks of English. Beginning this study in the elementary years provides opportunities to expand vocabulary, recognize word patterns, and develop familiarity with classical languages before more advanced study.

Each week, students learn a small set of classical roots and their meanings, then explore common English derivatives. Short readings reveal connections to mathematics, religion, science, art, history, literature, and other fields. Through speaking, writing, review, and assessment, students practice recognizing and applying the vocabulary they encounter.

Courses This Book Is Used In

This Student Book is used with Kolbe Academy's Classical Word Roots homeschool and online courses.

Course Plan and Digital Syllabus

A separate printed course plan is not offered for Classical Word Roots. The Student Book contains the suggested four-day daily plan, complete 28-lesson scope and sequence, daily directions, readings, activities, quizzes, and quarterly tests. The companion Teacher Guide provides the corresponding answer keys and instructional references. Together, these materials provide the resources needed to teach and complete the homeschool course.

Families enrolled in Kolbe Academy's homeschool course receive a digital syllabus through the Kolbe Portal. The syllabus provides an overview of course objectives, methodology, assessment, daily routine, and scope and sequence. It is not sold separately or available in print.

Companion Materials

Pair the Student Book with the corresponding Teacher Guide for a complete, coordinated Classical Word Roots homeschool course.

Product Note

This product includes the Classical Word Roots Student Book only. The companion Teacher Guide, containing answer keys and instructional references, is sold separately.