Unit Plan 9 (Grade 5 ELA): Morphology Power — Greek/Latin Roots & Word Attack

Focus: Roots, prefixes/suffixes; decoding multisyllabic words

Grade Level: 5

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

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

I. Introduction

This week turns readers into word scientists. Students will analyze Greek/Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes, apply a clear word-attack routine to decode multisyllabic words, and use context + reference tools to confirm meanings and pronunciations. By Friday, each learner can break unknown words into meaningful parts, choose an accurate definition in context, read the word accurately and fluently, and use new academic vocabulary in speaking and writing.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Use phonics and word analysis to read and decode multisyllabic words in and out of context (RF.5.3).
2. Determine/clarify meaning of unknown words using context, Greek/Latin affixes and roots, and reference materials (L.5.4a–c).
3. Acquire and use grade-appropriate academic and domain-specific words, demonstrating independence with vocabulary strategies (L.5.6).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 5

• RF.5.3, L.5.4a–c, L.5.6

Success Criteria — student language

• I can split a word into prefix + root + suffix and tell what each part means.
• I can decode the word aloud accurately and mark the accented syllable.
• I can pick the best definition in context and confirm with a dictionary/glossary.
• I can use the new word correctly in a sentence or quick explanation.