Vocabulary Vine

We started using Vocab Vine last year with my ds 10 and ds 8.  Last year we learned one new root per week.  (This year I’m increasing it to at least 2).  I would give the new root orally and its meaning, then the examples given of word with that root.  Throughout the rest of the week, I would give the root and ask for meaning and examples and we’d review previous roots.  I  like that VV is very simple and straightforward.  It takes no prep (at least how we are using it) and takes only 5 minutes per day. The boys have had many “Aha!” moments, thinking of words they know and how the words make more sense knowing the roots.  I think it is a good basic introduction to Greek/Latin roots.

I have no experience with Voc. Vine.  But we have used EftRU.  EftRU is simply a comb-bound book with one root per page.  Roots fromLatin are boxed in red.  Roots from Greek are boxed in green.  Underneath the root box is the pronunciation and the meaning.  Listed underneath that are words that use that root and their def., and sometimes a little blurb about how it came to be or other interesting tidbit.  The first time we used the book, I used somebody’s free downloadable notebooking pages and out them in a 3-ring binder.  I can’t remember her name, but if you google it, I’m sure you’ll find them.

You can also buy the cards (which I found used, for cheap ?) they are the same as the book, only on a flash card.  The cards are about index card size.  The root is on one side (boxed ineither green or red) and the def. and sample words onthe other side. The rummy roots game (which I also found used, for cheap- yay!) Are normal playing card-sized, have cards with green roots (Greek), red roots (Latin), and words in black (Eng.).  Directions are given for 4 different games.  We haven’t played the games yet, so I don’t know if the kids like it or not. Hope that helps some!

I have English From the Roots Up and Rummy Roots. Rummy Roots is the only one that’s been used consistently and we have all learned a lot from it. I have Rummy Roots 1 & 2 and we play once a week until my kids have all the roots memorized. It’s worked well for us. 🙂