Build the Word Family
Learners build a family of nouns, verbs and adjectives from a root and fit each into a subject sentence.
Worked classroom example
Humanities
Connect migrate, migration and migrant to different sentences in a case study.
Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.
Teaching sequence
- Choose a root learners will meet across the unit.
- Make a simple word-family chart with related forms.
- Learners use two forms in context and explain how their roles differ.
Materials and purpose
a root word with related forms
Word families reveal useful links in form and meaning.
Try it in your next lesson
Prepare
Use a root word with related forms. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.
Classroom task
Learners build a family of nouns, verbs and adjectives from a root and fit each into a subject sentence.
Check independent transfer
Learners use two forms in context and explain how their roles differ.
Collect a response on fresh content. Note what was achieved without the model, partner or teacher prompt, then choose one next teaching step.
Teacher language
Teacher language
What changed in the word form, and what changed in its job?
“Which feature makes this an example of the word?”
“How does the meaning or useful phrase change in another context?”
Respond to the learner
Identify one successful meaning or language choice. Ask about one gap, allow thinking time, then invite a revision. Check the revised move again on a fresh example.
Adjust support and challenge
Offer a brief model, useful vocabulary and partner rehearsal where needed. Keep the subject goal; reduce one prompt on fresh content and record what was independent.
Teaching this skill → · Age and language support →
More support
Use an image, object, bilingual gloss and contrasting example. Retrieve the word in a new sentence rather than repeat a definition only. Allow familiar-language notes or another response mode when checking subject understanding.
Greater independence
Change the content, evidence or audience. Remove the completed model and ask learners to explain a choice. Increase subject complexity only when it fits the curriculum and prior knowledge.
Choose the next step
If subject meaning is insecure, reteach the concept. If the concept is understood but the English is unclear, model one useful language relationship and invite a fresh response.