Unit Plan 9 (Grade 8 ELA): Morphology & Vocabulary Power
8th graders explore Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode meaning, use context clues effectively, and analyze figurative language, connotation, and nuance while expanding academic and domain-specific vocabulary.
Focus: Greek/Latin roots & affixes; context clues; figurative nuance and connotation
Grade Level: 8
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Language—Vocabulary & Usage)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Words are built, not memorized. This week, students learn to unlock meaning by analyzing Greek/Latin roots and affixes, applying context-clue strategies, and interpreting figurative language, word relationships, and connotation. They’ll verify meanings with reference tools and intentionally use new words in clear, academic sentences.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Use morphological analysis (roots, prefixes, suffixes) to infer the meanings of unfamiliar words and related word forms.
- Apply multiple context-clue types (definition, restatement, contrast, inference/example) to determine meaning, then verify with reference materials.
- Interpret figurative language and nuances in word meanings (connotation, intensity, associations) to select the most precise word for purpose and audience.
- Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate academic and domain-specific vocabulary in speaking and writing.
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 8
- L.8.4a–d: Determine/clarify word meaning using a range of strategies:
- (a) Use context as a clue to the meaning.
- (b) Use common, grade-appropriate Greek/Latin affixes and roots to figure meaning.
- (c) Consult general/specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, thesauruses), both print and digital.
- (d) Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase.
- L.8.5a–c: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances:
- (a) Interpret figures of speech (e.g., verbal irony, puns) in context.
- (b) Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., cause/effect, part/whole, item/category) to better understand each word.
- (c) Distinguish among connotations of words with similar denotations.
- L.8.6: Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate academic and domain-specific words and phrases; show independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when encountering an unknown term.
Success Criteria — student language
- I can break a word apart (prefix/root/suffix) and explain how each part contributes to meaning.
- I can prove a meaning using context and then verify it with a reliable source.
- I can interpret a figure of speech and explain how it affects meaning or tone.
- I can choose the best word from near-synonyms based on connotation and purpose.
- I can use new academic/domain terms accurately in my own writing.