Root Radar Slides
7th Grade ELA • Vocabulary Power
Multilingual Word Detectives
Root Radar
Unlock dozens of unfamiliar English words using visual word mapping and root clues.
Prefix Front Clue
ROOT Core Meaning
Suffix Word Job
=
New Word Clear Meaning!
Visual Word Mapping System Break it down • Map it out
Today's Mission
Unit: Academic Vocabulary
Learning Target
"I can determine the meaning and usage of new words by breaking them into their roots, prefixes, and suffixes."
60%
English Word Secret
Over 60% of English academic words come from Greek and Latin roots. Learn 1 root, unlock 10+ words!
Cognate Superpower
Many roots match words in Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. Your home language helps you in ELA!
Our Visual Color Code
Always Look for These Colors
The 3 Pieces of a Word Map
Every word has anatomy. We color-code each part to see its role instantly.
1. Yellow = Prefix
Front Direction
Attaches to the beginning. Shows direction, time, or negation.
Examples: re- (again), pre- (before), dis- (not)
2. Blue = Root
The Heart / Core
The main base of the word. Carries the primary real-world meaning.
Examples: tract (pull), port (carry), dict (say)
3. Pink = Suffix
Tail / Word Job
Attaches to the end. Tells you the part of speech (action, noun, description).
Examples: -able (can do), -or (person), -ion (action)
Tip: Find the BLUE ROOT first! It holds the biggest clue. Yellow + Blue + Pink
Root Case Study 1
Latin Base
TRACT Root
Meaning: "to pull, drag, or draw"
Cognate Connection atraer • tractor
ad- / at- (toward) + TRACT (pull)
attract
Literal: to pull something toward you.
"The bright flowers attract honeybees."
ex- (out of) + TRACT (pull)
extract
Literal: to pull or take something out.
"The dentist had to extract the broken tooth."
dis- (away) + TRACT (pull)
distract
Literal: to pull attention away from a task.
"Loud music will distract you from reading."
Root Case Study 2
Latin Base
PORT Root
Meaning: "to carry or bear"
Cognate Connection transportar • porter
trans- (across) + PORT
transport
Literal: to carry across a distance.
"Cargo ships transport grain across the ocean."
ex- (out) + PORT
export
Literal: to carry goods out of a country.
"Farmers export coffee beans to other nations."
PORT + -able (can be)
portable
Literal: easy to carry with you.
"Laptops are portable computers for students."
Guided Word Detective
Step-by-Step Mapping
Analyze the Word: PREDICTION
Let's dissect this word piece by piece using our color code.
Step 1: Prefix
PRE-
Meaning:
"before" or "ahead of time"
Like: pre-game, prepare
Step 2: Root
DICT
Meaning:
"to speak, tell, or say"
Spanish cognate: decir / dictado
Step 3: Suffix
-ION
Meaning:
"the act or process of"
Makes the word a noun
Full Combined Definition
"The act of saying something before it happens."
ELA Clue: Foreshadowing
Partner Word Talk
Collaborative Practice
Your Turn: Map & Explain
Work with your talk partner to analyze the word: CONSTRUCTION
1
"The root of this word is STRUCT, which means [to build]."
2
"The prefix is CON-, which tells me it means [together / with]."
3
"When I put the parts together, construction means [the process of building together]."
Partner Tip: Listen for the 3 colors!
Does your partner identify Prefix, Root, and Suffix?
The 3-Step Strategy
Remember When Reading Any Text
Your Word-Solving Playbook
Whenever you see a long, challenging word while reading:
1
Hunt the Root
Spot the core base in the middle. Ask: "What simple meaning is hiding here?"
Blue = The Core Clue
2
Check the Ends
Peel off the prefix (front) and suffix (tail). How do they change direction or job?
Yellow + Pink Modifiers
3
Assemble & Test
Add the parts together. Test the meaning in the sentence. Does it make sense?
Confidence in Reading!
Quick Exit Check
If TRACT means pull, what does RETRACT mean?
Turn & Tell Partner
