This week we will continue to look at words within maths.  Our focus words for this week are multiplication, and division.

Let’s look at the morphemes (building blocks) in each word.

Multiplication

Multi  + plic + ate + ion =  multiplication                       

multi – many,   plic/ply – folds/threads,     ate – to make;   ion – act or state                                                                                

Division

di + vise + ion = division      

di – apart,    vise – see or split,  ion – act or state

Let’s try to extend our knowledge of these morphemes and identify them in other words.  How do these morphemes help us to understand each word?

Can you think of other words containing each of these morphemes?    I’ve done one in each group for you.  https://membean.com/roots will help you find words, if you are stuck.

Write a word sum for each of the words you have created using the prefixes, root words and suffixes.  E.g. multi + plic + ate  + ion = multiplication

To use this as a spelling strategy each day of the week, see the weekly plan. 

How to use Pick and Mix each day for a week.

Multiply                multiplies          multiplying         multiplied           multiplication Multinational     multilingual      multiracial          multiracially    divide                     divider                divides                  dividing                divided                  division

For more word explorations, click here.

Useful Tools for understanding and using the morphology of words.

Membean – https://membean.com/roots

Phonicsandstuff – https://phonicsandstuff.com/

Embracing Literacy – https://www.facebook.com/embracing.literacy/

It is not important for children to memorise what each morpheme means, but the more they are aware of the different meanings, the easier it will be to get spelling right and understand more fully what a word means.  Morphology is a tool and not a memory exercise.

Prefixes already used