VOCABULARY

Greek and Latin Root Jeopardy (Lesson Plans)

Jeopardy is a fun way to practice Latin and Greek roots. The game is modeled after theJeopardy television game.

Alphaboxes (PDF)

Alphaboxes is an after-reading vocabulary strategy that students can use individually or in groups to search for words while reflecting on what they have just read. Using a graphic organizer like the PDF above, ask students to locate words for each box that relate to the selection. Ask students to first write down the words that come to mind when they think about the reading. After 5 to 10 minutes, ask students to share their words with the class. Next, allow students to refer back to the selection to locate additional words. Repeat group sharing, again using the overhead or smartboard, to create a class list of words. The Alphaboxes do not need to be completed in the same time frame. This strategy works well even if you only have a few minutes for a vocabulary activity.

The Frayer Chart (PDF)

The Frayer Chart creates a visual reference to help students understand concepts and vocabulary. This strategy can be very useful when applied to science and math terms. The Frayer Chart helps students understand unfamiliar words or concepts that have potentially confusing characteristics or connections. This is a great strategy to use as a whole-class exercise. Have the class brainstorm a list of words and concepts that relate to the chosen word. Sort the words into appropriate categories. Direct students to add more words as well as non-examples or non-essential characteristics depending on the chart. To wrap up the exercise, discuss how using non-examples as well as examples help better understand a word.

Logographic Cues (Strategy Description) or PICTIONARY Worksheet (PDF)

Pictionary is a strategy that can be used as an interactive activity to help students learn vocabulary words. It can also be the use of simple symbols or pictures that act as individual reminders of important literary elements in a text.

Vocab-O-Gram (PDF)

A vocab-o-gram is a classification chart showing the categories of story structure that requires students to organize key vocabulary or phrases in relationship to the structure of the selected text. A vocab-o-gram works well to get the students making predictions about the story they are about to read. The teacher should create a vocabulary list of key words from the story to get the students started. Group students individually or in small groups and have them place words in the appropriate category, using the clues that link words to the setting, characters, problem/goal, or actions and resolutions. Create a master chart to work on together after the students have completed their charts individually. Wrap up the exercise by having students create predictions about the story. As you read the story, review and revise the placement of words and phrases in categories on the chart.

Vocabulary Mapping (PDF)

A vocabulary word map is a visual organizer that helps students engage with and thing about new terms or concepts in several ways. To use a vocabulary map, place a word in the middle of the map. Students fill in the surrounding boxes with the definition, examples, and similar concepts or synonyms. This activity is often better suited to a whole class brainstorm while the students recreate the maps in their own notebooks. The map could also be modified to include a visual image or a place for antonyms as well as synonyms.

Words That Grow From Roots!

This interactive activity allows a teacher to instruct, remediate and/or assess students as they explore base words.  In this whole class or small group activity, students see directly how words “grow” from base words and word roots.  It builds on and extends the understanding, begun during the syllables and affixes stage, of how word elements combine. 

Root Words and Their Word Families (pdf)

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