Growing a vocabulary requires spending time with new words. Focus on important words; those with often-use potential or subject-related value. Try these ideas to help students ‘own’ the selected new words.
First create a special journal or **worksheet to allow space for the some or all of the following components:
- Introduce the word and the definition.
- Use it in a meaning-filled sentence.
- Draw/illustrate what the word represents.
- Find synonyms and antonyms related to the word.
- Create a jingle, rhyme or acronym or other word device to help explain a word or its category.
** a worksheet will allow students to create a notebook with the words arranged in alphabetical order. It will also allow space for students to additional pages for future information, ideas and activities.
Also, as a class or small group:
- Encourage students to act out the use of the word.
- Model the appropriate use of the word in daily lessons.
- Play Vocabulary Bingo once you have 24 new words.
- Play Jeopardy-style or Wheel of Fortune-style games with the words and definitions. There are lots of categories to consider (use your journal ideas).