The common language we use daily is primarily Germanic in nature. However, as we become more formal, sophisticated, and technical in our speaking and conveying of information, so too does our vocabulary. Words used for these purposes are predominantly from Romance, Latin, and Greek-based words. Approximately 70% of our higher level vocabulary used in high school, college, and postgraduate textbooks as well as in most technical or highly trained fields of expertise come from the Greek and Latin root words. Weaving together the sophisticated language study of Greek and Latin roots and affixes and the basic phonetic structure of our language helps build a strong foundation for reading and spelling success for secondary students. Teaching students a systematic process for decoding and encoding using scientifically researched-based learning strategies is effective for instructing students struggling with reading difficulties.