This class uses the text Build Your Power Vocabulary (BYPV) by Random House to introduce the concept of “root words.” Lessons begin on Latin and Greek roots, then move on to learning words through historical meaning, understanding words from their context, and studying words borrowed from other languages. Students will need their own dictionary and a thesaurus that they can use in class and at home. Two hour-long tests give students an opportunity to see how much they have learned. This course is geared towards 8th grade students who want to strengthen their vocabulary to prepare for high school.