Article
Illustrations by James Yamasaki
Root Power,

The Mysterious Manuscript

Explore the Latin roots script or scrib in a graphic-novel-style story.

From the December 2023/January 2024 Issue

Learning Objective:  to use Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meanings of words 

Featured Skill: Vocabulary Acquisition,
Common Core Standards
  • Anchor Standards
    L.4
  • Grade 6
    L.6.4.a, b, c, d
  • Grade 7
    L.7.4.a, b, c, d
  • Grade 8
    L.8.4.a, b, c, d
TEKs standards
  • Grades 6, 7, 8
    2a, 2b, 2c

Presentation View
See Student View

Greek and Latin roots form the basis of many words in the English language. Knowing these roots empowers you to unlock the meanings of unfamiliar words. This story includes words with the Latin root script or scrib, which both mean write.

Root Challenge

Directions:

1. Write down the meaning of each word in green. Use context clues or, if needed, a dictionary.
2. Think of another word that contains  the root script or scrib.
3. Write a sentence using that word and draw a picture that shows the word’s meaning.

This article was originally published in the December 2023/January 2024 issue.

Audio ()
Activities (2)
Skill-Building Activities
Answer Key (1)
Audio ()
Activities (2)
Skill-Building Activities
Answer Key (1)
Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

Close Reading, Critical Thinking, Skill Building

Download the Lesson Plan

Table of Contents

1. Prepare to Read

2. Read and Discuss

3. Root Challenge

1. PREPARE TO READ (5 MINUTES)

  • If students are unfamiliar with graphic novels, preview some basic graphic novel terminology and definitions: 

    • panels: the square or rectangular boundaries that contain elements of the story 

    • gutters: the space between panels, where the reader’s imagination connects the elements between two panels to create a flowing storyline

    • balloons: where spoken or narrated words and sound effects are contained

  • Have a volunteer read aloud the directions located beneath the story’s title. Then locate the words in green in the story and read them aloud together.

2. READ AND DISCUSS (25 MINUTES)

  • Read the story once through as a class, then have students reread it independently. 

  • To check comprehension, have students write a quick objective summary of the story on a sticky note.

  • Using their knowledge of affixes and roots along with context as clues, students can then turn and talk to a partner to discuss their preliminary understanding of the meanings of the words in green.

3. ROOT CHALLENGE (25 MINUTES)

  • Have students take the Root Challenge at the bottom of the page in the printed magazine or at the bottom of the digital story page. Be sure to have digital or print dictionaries handy for students to verify their definitions. Optionally, have students complete this task using the Root Power activity found in your Resources tab at Scope Online. It contains a chart for recording definitions, an extra practice activity, and space to record their own scrib/script word, sentences, and illustrations. Sample definitions and answers can be found in the Answer Key, which can also be found in the Resources tab at Scope Online.

  • An entry form for the writing contest is available here to download.

Text-to-Speech