Step 1: Word Hunter
Many of my students struggle with reading and feel intimidated by ‘big words.’ My goal is to help them become self-directed learners when it comes to acquiring vocabulary. Here’s a great first-read activity I use to support them.
Worksheet:
Step 2: Complete the VOCABULARY-BUILDING WORKSHEET for ONE of your chosen words.
Here is a worksheet I use with my students so they can “play” and “experiment” with vocabulary from their readings. Students need to choose a word from a text that interests them, and complete the given worksheet.
Here are the steps:
I have students draw a picture so they begin seeing and understanding their words in a new way.
I have students look up the definition of their word so they build the habit of referencing the dictionary.
I have students write their own definition of the word so they begin the process of “owning their knowledge.”
I have students write down synonyms and antonyms of their word so they can see similar and dissimilar words. On our standardized tests, students are often asked questions about “synonyms” and “antonyms” of designated vocabulary words. I want my students to know EXACTLY what these terms mean for state testing.
I have students use their word in two sentences so they begin the process of incorporating new vocabulary in their writing.
Worksheet:
Here are some CONTEXT CLUES activities I use with my students to practice the process of predicting word meanings.
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