SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

“Where Do Words Come From?”

Advertisement

“Where Do Words Come From?”

Have you ever wondered where some English words originated? The English language has a large vocabulary that is cobbled together from many words borrowed from other countries. Approximately 29% of foreign words come from French (ambulance, parachute, and sauce for example), another 29% have Latin origins (like agenda, circus, and data) and another 26% of the English language has Germanic origins (dollar, muffin, and Kindergarten). The Greek language makes up roughly 6% of our vocabulary, and we are continually adding to it from languages worldwide.
Learning certain spellings can be much easier and more interesting for students when it is combined with learning word origins. For example, words like opossum and skunk are in fact Cree in origin and ebony, ivory, and paper are derived from the Egyptian language. Students can engage in researching word origins through creating songs, chants, and games. For example, students can present the words they’ve researched in a song:
“Words from other countries
can be difficult to spell.
Italian gave us macaroni
and broccoli, as well.”
Fun songs like this one help make learning word origins and spelling fun and memorable.
Other word origins
Cree: opossum, skunk
Czech: polka, robot
Egyptian: ebony, ivory, paper
Hindi: jungle
Hungarian: coach, goulash, paprika, sabre
Inuit: husky, igloo, kayak
Italian: opera, umbrella, alarm, broccoli, macaroni
Japanese: judo, karate, tycoon
The preceding was adapted from When Spelling Matters by Doreen Scott-Dunne, published by Pembroke Publishers.
Avatar photo

TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching and believe in innovation in education.

Education News

Planting the Seeds: 10 Tips to Inspire a Love of Reading in K–2

Teaching young children to read is one of the most powerful gifts we can give them. However, sparking a love of reading is what keeps that gift growing for a lifetime.

Cradles to Crayons® to Provide 250,000 Free Backpacks with School Supplies

C2C’s “Ready for Learning” initiative prepares children from head to toe, including clothing and backpacks in the Massachusetts, Chicagoland, and Philadelphia Tri-State regions.

Supporting New Pathways Into the Classroom

Flexible online certification programs are helping aspiring educators teach, lead, and make a difference.

PPC Members Inspire the Next Generation Through 2025 TICCIT Program

This year, the Paperboard Packaging Council reached over 7,500 students and planted more than 8,000 saplings across North America.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

TEACH Magazine
TEACH Magazine
TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching and believe in innovation in education.

Advertisement

Read More

The First Six Weeks: Laying the Foundation for a Successful Middle School Year

The first six weeks of a new school year are essential. In middle school classrooms, those weeks are not just a warm-up. Rather, they are the foundation on which the entire school year is built.

Planting the Seeds: 10 Tips to Inspire a Love of Reading in K–2

Teaching young children to read is one of the most powerful gifts we can give them. However, sparking a love of reading is what keeps that gift growing for a lifetime.

Breathe, Focus, and Learn: 3 Simple Exercises That Prepare Students for Academic Success

When practiced regularly, breathing techniques can become powerful self-regulation tools that serve students throughout their academic lives and beyond.

Cradles to Crayons® to Provide 250,000 Free Backpacks with School Supplies

C2C’s “Ready for Learning” initiative prepares children from head to toe, including clothing and backpacks in the Massachusetts, Chicagoland, and Philadelphia Tri-State regions.

Supporting New Pathways Into the Classroom

Flexible online certification programs are helping aspiring educators teach, lead, and make a difference.

Stories from the Stage: How Drama Education Shapes Global Citizens

Drama is far more than a performance-based art. It is a dynamic educational tool that improves students’ capacity to understand perspectives far removed from their own.
liên quân modpure co | halloween fortune slot | grand ivy casino | casino là gì | dự đoán win888 | đầu số 0127 đổi thành gì | spin palace casino real money | ex là gì | code siêu cấp gunny mobi | xsmn binh luan | new york new york hotel & casino | việt nam 7m cn | truc tiep euro 2021 | mơ gãy răng đánh con gì | casino jefe erfahrungen | casinomeister slot | liên quân lmhmod | gladiator slot review | soicau3cang | casino chemin de fer | casino organization | first slot machine 1887 | 3 reel slots online | springfield ma casino | đề về 24 | casino online italia | ku casino us | ku casino us | bảng đặc biệt 500 ngày | trực tiếp copa america 2021 | tai zing speed | burning hot slot | slot sensor | ku11 today | hotels with casinos | hack golden hoyeah slots | 1 hiệp bóng chuyền bao nhiều phút | cubet | du doan xsbd | y8 hai nguoi | game line 98 classic | game choc pha mi nhan | xổ số thịnh nam bạc liêu |