Ms. Docherty

Vocabulary Strategies 

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Title: Word wall

 

Age and reading level: K-5+

 

Brief Description: Students will be able to refer to the wall in the classroom with the words they are learning. If a new word pops up students will be motivated to add it to the word wall. If students think a certain word should be up there then they will be able to add it to the all. 

 

Materials needed:

Wall, fun colors, paper, stickers, material to make it stand out

Steps for instruction:

• Assign a section of the wall

• Have students come up with words they would like to learn to build interest for the wall

• Decorate the word wall how they want 

• Motivate class to come up with a word to add each week 

• After the class thinks they all know the word, replace the word with a new on

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Title: Vocabulary Journals 

 

Age and reading level: 3-5+

 

Brief Description: Students have a journal to add words that they are unfamiliar with to. Students will write the word and the definition. Sometimes students will even add synonyms/antonyms and an illustration. Students can refer back to this journal when in need.

 

Materials needed:

Paper, writing utensils

Steps for instruction:

• Grab multiple blank pieces of paper and fold them all in half together

• Students can decorate outside of journal any way they would like 

• The student will come across an unfamiliar word and add it to the journal

• Write the word, definition, syn/ant, illustration, and use the word in a sentence

• When the student needs to look up a meaning of one of their vocabulary words, they will already have the definition in their own words

• Students can keep adding to this journal all year

 

Title: Word Wizard

 

Age and reading level: 3-5+

 

Brief Description: This strategy involves cooperative learning. Students will work with peers to learn key vocabulary words and teach each other the new words. They can also write these in their vocabulary journals as they learn. Each student is responsible for three new words in a chapter that they are reading.

 

Materials needed: Book, writing utensil, voice, peers, vocabulary journal

 

Steps for instruction:

• Students will be divided into groups. Each student in the group is responsible for three new words in the text they are reading. 

• Each student is known as a word wizard

• Word wizards will write the definition of the word along with an illustration

• After everyone is done, everyone will share their words with the group and teach their peer the new words as they write them down in their vocabulary journals.

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Title: Word Detective

 

Age and reading level: K-5+

 

Brief Description: Students will look for certain words all day. The teacher gives students specific words to look for as they read or go throughout their day. It encourages students to read more and find the words. 

 

Materials needed: Different texts, books, vocabulary words, sticky notes, and writing utensils

 

Steps for instruction:

• Teacher gives out a list of vocabulary words to look for throughout the day 

• Students write these words on a sticky note and place on their desk to look at and remind them to look for them

• Every time they come in contact with one of the words they will place a tally mark next to the word.

• Making this into a game is simple too, just give each word they see a point. Students will be more eager to go looking for the word. 

• At the end of the day review the words and tally up points.

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Title: Vocabulary Jeopardy

 

Age and reading level: 2-5+

 

Brief Description: Students will make vocabulary flashcards and turn it into a jeopardy game. You can play this with the full class or in small groups. Students will be given a word and the first to "buzz in" will give the definition.

 

Materials needed:

Flashcards for vocabulary, small groups, an idea for "buzzing"

Steps for instruction:

• Have vocabulary cards 

• Have student generate new ones if needed

• Start a jeopardy game as students will try and give the definitions for words

• This is a fun way to review vocabulary terms before being done with them or a test