Unit Plan 9 (Grade 4 ELA): Morphology Power – Roots, Affixes, and Word Attack

Focus: Greek/Latin roots, prefixes/suffixes; decoding multisyllabic words

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Foundational Skills, Vocabulary/Language)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

This week equips readers with a morphology toolkit to tackle big words with confidence. Students learn a step-by-step Word Attack Routine that blends syllable patterns with prefix–root–suffix knowledge, then use context and reference tools to confirm meanings. By Friday, each learner will decode unfamiliar multisyllabic words, explain what common roots/affixes mean, choose the correct dictionary definition for a sentence, and accurately use new vocabulary in speech/writing.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Apply a Word Attack Routine (syllabication + morphology) to read unfamiliar multisyllabic words.
2. Use knowledge of Greek/Latin roots and prefixes/suffixes to infer meaning and part of speech.
3. Use context clues and dictionaries/glossaries to determine or confirm word meanings.
4. Accurately use newly learned academic/domain vocabulary in sentences.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 4

• RF.4.3a (use phonics/syllabication patterns and morphology to read multisyllabic words)
• L.4.4a–c (use context; use common Greek/Latin roots and affixes; consult reference materials)
• L.4.6 (acquire and use grade-appropriate academic and domain-specific words)

Success Criteria — student language

• I can split a long word, spot its prefix/root/suffix, and read it smoothly.
• I can tell that tele means “far,” port means “carry,” -tion means “the act of,” etc., and use that to explain a word.
• I can pick the right dictionary meaning for a sentence and justify why.
• I can use new words correctly in my speaking and writing.