Word Study

Something beneficial for children to do is study the nature of the English language. We have so many words that come from different origins and roots, but many words have also changed over time. Reading may come easier for students if they use etymology to understand the origins of words.

Etymology is the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history.

Something fun you can do at home is go to the online etymology dictionary and look up the origins of words.

http://www.etymonline.com/

What a way for students to study root words, and look at prefixes and suffixes!

For example: You can type in the word instruction, the dictionary pulls up this definition:

instruction (n.) 

c.1400, instruccioun, "action or process of teaching," from Old French instruccion (14c.), from Latin instructionem (nominative instructio) "building, arrangement, teaching," from past participle stem of instruere"arrange, inform, teach," from in- "on" (see in- (2)) + struere "to pile, build" (see structure (n.)). Meaning "an authoritative direction telling someone what to do; a document giving such directions," is early 15c. Related: Instructions.