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… Read More »
It’s important to help students understand that thoughtful word choice makes their writing stronger and more clear. Create a mini lesson. Share samples of good and less successful writings. Ask students: Do the writer’s words describe the main characters so we can almost see them? Do the verbs show specific actions? (race instead of went… Read More »
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… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. You can extend a vocabulary activity and ask students to write descriptive sentences and leave out their key word to challenge others to fill-in the missing word. It will challenge their abilities to think of the important details that lead others to the correct answer. Example:… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. Dictionary and Thesaurus investigation adds to helping the words ‘stick’ in kids’ brains. Locating definitions, synonyms and antonyms makes a great partner activity. Ask students to write the definition(s) and add their frame of reference, their schema, to make the word relate to their lives in… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. Vocabulary development creates a growing list and adding visuals (student drawings and images) may help students. So… Encourage students to update their vocabulary notebook and to add their own pictures to help them remember new words. Check out online resources for free images at Classroom Clipart,… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. He’s so rambunctious he upset the basket. Vocabulary words are like a new pairs of shoes; we need to break them in. It’s the job of the adult to help kids become comfortable with new or unusual pertinent, use-again words that occur in their reading. Try… Read More »
Vocabulary is organic. After we learn to speak, we use words; next we read and use words. I addressed this on October 2nd this year, but I keep thinking about it and how we need to be deliberate in exposing kids to a wide number of specifics naming words. We need to use specific words… Read More »
I have a friend who’s seven year-old son has the most incredible vocabulary. In his case, he loves words. But, all kids need to be encouraged to own a great vocabulary through our use of strong and/or specific words, regardless of their age. Since words reflect concepts and content, it’s important to the rounded development… Read More »