Investigate Word History with a Word Origins Project

Did you know that exploring Greek and Latin roots can help students recognise word patterns across hundreds of related words? If you’ve ever seen a student confidently work out the meaning of an unfamiliar word because they recognised a familiar word part, you’ll know how valuable this skill can be!

This word origins project gives students the opportunity to become language researchers as they investigate the history and meaning of a Greek or Latin root word. Through an authentic museum exhibition scenario, students explore how a single root contributes to the meanings of many modern English words before sharing their findings through an informative display.

Here’s the scenario:

The National Museum of Language is creating a new exhibition called The Secret History of English. They have asked local school children to help by investigating a Greek or Latin root word, then creating a digital or paper-based display that teaches visitors about its importance in historical and modern English. 

The project booklet has been designed by our team to guide your students through each step of the project, from choosing their root to researching word families to creating their final presentation. We’ve also created a digital template that your students can use to present their research (should they choose the digital option) along with paper cut-outs that can be used to create a poster (should they choose the paper-based version). Be sure to download all the files you need!

A Word Origin Project to Truly Engage Learners!

Many teachers have seen how students become more invested in their learning when there is a clear purpose behind it. Giving classroom tasks an authentic context can transform engagement, helping students see themselves as writers, researchers, designers or problem-solvers rather than simply completing another worksheet.

This scenario-based resource engages students by:

• Positioning students as museum contributors playing an important role in curating a new exhibition
• Providing an authentic audience, giving students a genuine reason to present their findings clearly and accurately
• Encouraging curiosity as students uncover the fascinating stories behind a root word they have chosen for themselves
• Combining independent research, vocabulary study, critical thinking and creativity in a single project
• Offering flexible digital and paper-based presentation options to suit different classroom contexts

Download This Origin of Words Project

There are multiple files to choose from when downloading this origin of words project. They are:

• Project Booklet – PDF
• Project Booklet – Google Slides
• Digital Exhibit Template – Google Slides
• Digital Exhibit Template – Microsoft PowerPoint

Please note that you will be required to create copies of the Google Slides files on your personal device before accessing them.

With clear instructions, ready-to-use organisers and presentation templates, you’ll have everything needed to guide students through this deep dive into the history of the English language.

For sustainability purposes, please consider printing the project booklet double-sided.

This resource was created by Stephanie Machart, a teacher and a Teach Starter collaborator.

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