Expand Geometry Vocabulary
with Greek & Latin Roots

Anyone teaching geometry vocabulary can tap into the power of Latin and Greek roots. Classical roots will unlock dozens of new words stemming from familiar words that many students already know.

The result of using these techniques? Students use prior knowledge to expand vocabulary on a thematic scheme.

Accessing prior knowledge sparks student interest, thematic presentation makes new material easy to assimilate.

Elementary Geometry:

The formal study of geometry may begin in high school, but elementary students certainly learn the fundamental shapes. Even the most rudimentary geometry words yield powerful derivatives. Try these links to help create geometry lesson plans for vocabulary.

  • Circle
  • Triangle
  • Rectangle
  • Classify
  • Circumference
  • Quadrilateral

Middle School Geometry:

In middle school, students acquire the knowledge of several more advanced vocabulary words. These new words also yield derivatives from the roots of Greek and Latin.

Vocabulary taught in thematic units around one or two specific root words will be more easily internalized by your students. Because they have prior knowledge of certain words, the derivatives are more interesting and memorable.

  • Geometric
  • Acute angle
  • Obtuse angle
  • Tangents
  • Logic
  • Conjecture
  • Inductive & deductive reasoning

High School Geometry:

In high school, geometry students encounter complex equations and specialized terminology. For these students, rather than geometry words helping with derivatives, common derivatives may assist with difficult geometric concepts.

The basic strategy for your lesson plans, however, remains the same. Use thematic lessons based on the roots of Latin and Greek, and watch your students come alive.

  • Vectors
  • Reflections
  • Secants
  • Fractals
  • Postulate
  • Congruent
  • Transversals
  • Inscribed Angles

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