This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary.
1. Creating a graphic organizer is another way to meet students needs: Here is one example.
2. Copy the words in their story/book context and substitute words that relate to the students’ experiences/vocabulary. Look up and discuss how the substituted word(s) change the textual meaning and how specific words carry different meanings.
3.Consider using acronyms when learning a group of related words: The directions on a compass: Never Eat Shredded Wheat = North, East, South, West.
4. Use games to reinforce vocabulary words. Make a Jeopardy game where you give the definition and students guess the word in a question sentence. Example:
A person who overseers a sporting event to be certain the rules are followed.
(Answer: “What is a referee?”)
5. Try Vocabulary Bingo or make Word Searches. (link: tools.atozteacherstuff.com/word-search-maker)
6. I recently saw a clever way to teach vocabulary on Teaching Channel. Sarah Brown Wessling using what she called, Vocabulary Paint Chips. Check it out!