What’s the Root?

Scripture: Acts 2:1-47

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will learn the Church began on Pentecost, the holiday that had become a time to celebrate when God gave Moses the Old Law.
  • Students will learn the Holy Spirit gave the Apostles the ability to speak in languages they had not studied, so everyone could understand the important message they had to share.
  • Students will learn God wants us to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
  • Students will learn basic Greek and Latin roots to understand how they are used in English.

Guiding Question: How are we able to receive the Holy Spirit?

Materials: Access to the following link:  https://www.oakton.edu/user/3/gherrera/Greek%20and%20Latin%20Roots%20in%20English/greek_and_latin_roots.pdf (or print copies)

Procedure: Review the story of Pentecost. Explain that the story is about how the Apostles received the Holy Spirit so that they could go and spread God and his message of salvation. The Apostles now also had the ability to speak in different languages in order to share the message with those that spoke different languages. Tell the students that in order to receive the Holy Spirit, we must be baptized for forgiveness of our sins. Then we receive the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit gives us guidance and direction in our lives.

Tell the students that during the time of Pentecost, many people spoke Greek and Latin. English words have many Greek and Latin “roots” which help give meaning to a word. Go over Greek and Latin root words from the link in the Materials. After reviewing several examples, give students time to think of as many words as they can they use 5-6 of the given roots. Students can work individually or in pairs. Give students time to share at the end and see if they notice any common trends or patterns in the words.

Additional Questions: How can students organize words by Greek or Latin roots?
Supplemental Activity: Have students pick 2-3 Greek or Latin roots. Have students make a root tree for reach. Students will draw a tree with the root at the base of the trunk and the words the know for that root in the leaves and branches of the tree.

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