Multisensory Monday: Pesky Greek and Latin Root “Tetra” Game

Students in Brainspring’s Structures program learn the different Greek and Latin number roots. Many of the root words tend to come easy for students to remember. In my experience, however, students struggle in remembering that the root “tetra” means “four.” There aren’t too many familiar words with “tetra” in them. Words such as tetrad, tetrapod, tetrahedron, tetrachloride, and oxytetracycline simply are not part of most students’ vernacular. Because of a lack of familiarity with “tetra” words, students sometimes stumble in remembering the root word’s meaning.

I have created a game called Tetra. It is simple to make, easy to play, and helps students remember that “tetra” means “four.”

A PDF of the game is included here:

TETRA Game

Directions for Tetra:

The root “tetra” means “four”. This game uses “four” different shapes. Copy the game pieces onto “four” different colored sheets of paper and cut apart the “four” different shapes. Place all of the shapes into a small container or bag.

To play the game…

The student reaches into the container or bag, pulls out one shape and places it on the game board. The object of the game is to fill in all the spaces on the 4×4 game board without overlapping any shapes. If the student draws a shape that cannot be placed on the game board without overlapping part of another shape, the game is over.

 Mid game …

A successful game – all pieces fit onto the game board without any overlap…

~Tammi Brandon, M.Ed., CDP

Tammi Brandon is a Master Instructor and Education Consultant with Brainspring Educator Academy.

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