VOCAB STRATEGIESLearning new vocabulary words can be difficult, but there are ways to make it easier… and make them stick! We will be using one or two strategies with each unit in class to help begin the process of mastering new vocabulary words. Here are some useful strategies in no specific order.

1. READ! READ! READ! Most vocabulary words are learned from context. The more words you're exposed to, the better vocabulary you will have. It sounds simple, but it’s the truth! And, the kicker is, it doesn’t matter what you read, just that you read!

2. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT! It takes 10-20 accurate repetitions to make a word a part of your vocabulary. You need to say it, write it, and use it to truly comprehend and understand a new word. For example, some different ways to practice include: lists, flashcards, word walls, word maps (classification/qualities/examples), writing stories, using words in direct conversation, etc.

*Still overwhelmed? Break it down and only practice with a few at a time. For example, we have over 10 days between vocab tests. Try taking two-three new words a day. Just don’t forget to review the old words as you go.

3. Use Context Clues. Context clues are hints provided in the context of the reading that help a reader figure out what an unfamiliar word means. See separate handout for specifics.

4. Use word associations. Saying each word aloud and relating it to words you know is a great way to have a word make an impression. You can do this by making lists or gathering pictures of stuff that relate. You can be more advanced by creating open and closed categories for your word lists.

5. Make mnemonic devices. Mnemonic devices are little phrases or rhymes that serve as a memory tool. For example, a popular math mnemonic device that helps people remember the order of operations is the phrase “Please excuse my dear aunt Sally.”

6. Have fun! Playing games like Scrabble or Boggle is fun and can help you learn. Even things like word searches and crossword puzzles count.

FACT: For every 100 words you study and remember, you will increase your reading score by 15 points!

Categorize – a. Closed: give categories and have

students organize words in themb. Open: let the kids make categories that

fit the words

UNITS:1) Flashcards & Word Maps Associations

Synonyms/Antonyms …. Pick 3 a day a. Circle the word that doesn’t belong

2) Word Walls (associations/categories, pics, mnemonic devices)

3) Context Clues – sentences a. Give word…. Write definition & at least

3 more synonymsb. (Repo Games)

4) Context Clues –a. stories b. (Read Jabberwocky)

5) Have fun Crossword, Word Searches, Boggle, Scrabble

REPO GAMES:- play Repo Games with candy! 8 pieces for groups of 4. Give one back every time

you get one wrong.- http://edhelper.com/language/Context_Clues.htm

EXAMPLESEXPLANATIONSSYNONYMANTONYMCOMPARECONTRAST

VOCAB EXTRA WORKUNITS 1-4

OVERALL:UNIT 1: Word Maps (flashcards) … practice 3 a day

APPL – circle word that doesn’t belong for associationsUNIT 2: Context Clues SentencesUNIT 3: Context Clues Stories/ParagraphsUNIT 4: Word Wall, Mnemonic Devices, Categories

UNIT 1 Flashcards & Word Maps Associations Synonyms/Antonyms …. Pick 3 a day

1) Flashcard Word Map (word/part of speech, definition, synonym, , picture with a sentence)

2) Discuss antonyms: Circle the word that doesn’t belong & write synonym

Circle the word that does not belong. Then, write one more synonym/word that does belong. 1. flush rush stream hesitate2. messy pleasant neat comfortable3. knowledge learning wisdom incomprehension4. wisdom illiterateness ignorance folly5. careless thoughtless negligent considerate6. usual home weird domestic7. despondency disbelief distrust anticipate8. Intolerant Impulsive Hasty understanding9. plod lumber shuffle cruise10. disorder order clutter mess11. ruin spoil restore wreck12. invoke depress sink hoist13. decent mischievous naughty unruly14. regular sporadic variable formal15. grand stately little majestic

SYNONYM/ANTONYM PRACTICE

- help (v) - aid, abet, assist, contribute, lend a hand, bail out, promote, push, guide,

intercedesimple (adj) – child’s play, cinch, piece of cake, no problem, no sweat, picnic- labor (v) - work, chore, daily grind, employment, exercise, sweat- fired (v) - laid off, canned, - strong (adj) - athletic, jacked, muscular, mighty, strapping, hardy, stalwart, well-built,

tough-wacky - (ad) - absurd, crazy, demented, erratic, foolish, silly, unpredictable, wild,

loony, mad, nuts, zany

*add a negative prefix (-un, im, in, il, ir, dis, non, anti) in a sentence - a little (adj) - a lot, a ton, - abbreviate (v) - amplify, enlarge, expand, extend, increase, lengthen- achiever (n)- – loser, failure, unsuccessful person, slacker- cage (v) - free, let go, release, - camouflage (v) - reveal, show, uncover, stand out- cancel (v) - allow, approve, arrange, establish, permit, publish- fair (adj) - biased, partial, prejudice, unfair, unjust, unreasonable - friend (n) - enemy, foe, - odd (adj) - common, conventional, habitual, normal, ordinary, regular,

standard, usual- thin (adj) - obese, fat- wake up (v) - sleep, take a snooze, catch some Zs

UNIT 2 ---- I have unit 1 & 2 words with context clues * Flashcards on your own…. DO “list reveal”* Context Clues – sentences

6) Types of context clues & practice identifying; Write definition & at least 3 more synonyms

7) Practice Writing sentences (use Slang cards)8) Repo Games – 8 pieces of candy…. Lose one every time

EXPAMPLES1. Projectiles include those items that are shot forward such as a cannon shell, bullet, or rocket.

Using the example clue, the word projectiles in this sentence means

  things put down

  things shot forward

  things hurt

  things broken

.

EXPLANATION

4. Matt has such a kind disposition that he always helps people.

In this sentence, the word disposition means

  doctor

  attitude or way

  enemy

  show-off

  3. We could tell by the rotten smell, that something putrid was in our trash can.

Using the explanation clue, the word putrid in this sentence means

  ample

  alive

  rotten

  appealing4. Phyllis felt elated when she won the race.

Using the explanation clue, the word elated in this sentence means

  sick   tired

  miserable   happy

SYNONYMS

8. The lady sat primly straight in the chair.

In this sentence, the word primly means

  proper or tall

  slouched

  up

  down

9.

1. The book of logic contained many conundrums - mind-exercising puzzles.

Using the synonym clue, the word conundrums in this sentence means

  pictures

  stories

  answers

  puzzles

3.

5. There was crazy pandemonium as people were trying to leave the rock concert.

Using the synonym clue, the word pandemonium in this sentence means

  silence

  craziness or chaos

  order

  peace6.

ANTONYMS3. The cat scuttled quickly around the room without lying down at all.

In this sentence, the word scuttled means

  ran

  walked

  sneaked

  crawled

6. I meandered through the woods and did not win the race.

In this sentence, the word meandered means

  jogged

  ran

  hurried

  wandered

COMPARISONMy dog was devoted, as if he were my best friend.

4. Tina used a parasol, which is like an umbrella, to block the sun.

In this sentence, the word parasol means

  umbrella to block the sun

  beach towel

  sunscreen

  raincoat

5. The buoyant raft floated on the water like a feather.

In this sentence, the word buoyant means

  floatable

  heavy

  hard2.3. Some people feel perplexed by brain teasers, while others figure them out quickly.

Using the comparison clue, the word perplexed in this sentence means

  troubled or confused

  at ease

  calm

  relaxed5. Instead of climbing into bed, she decided to take a nap on the chaise.

Using the comparison clue, the word chaise in this sentence means

  sleeping bag

  bed-like furniture

  chair

  floor

CONTRAST10. You may prosper if you are good with your money, but you may be poor if you spend too much.

In this sentence, the word prosper means

  poor

  gain wealth

  die

  lose5. After being ill and unable to eat for three days, Beverly had a voracious appetite.

Using the contrast clue, the word voracious in this sentence means

  satisfied

  quenched

  small

  big6.

MIXED:

Context Clues1. An edifice, such as the Empire State Building, can

take years to build.

Using the example clue, the word edifice in this sentence means

  coal mine

  concrete wall

  steel

  large building

2. The servant burnished the silver vase, rubbing hard to bring back the shine.

Using the explanation clue, the word burnished in this sentence means

  polished

  pounded

  muted

  clouded3. The bank robber kept a hostage captive for twenty-

four hours until he decided to emancipate him.

Using the contrast clue, the word emancipate in this sentence means

  captive

  hold

  free

  keep

4. A melancholy sadness fell over the crowd after hearing the shocking news.

Using the synonym clue, the word melancholy in this sentence means

  quiet

  depressed or sad

  calm

  good5. After being ill and unable to eat for three days,

Beverly had a voracious appetite.

Using the contrast clue, the word voracious in this sentence means

  small

  quenched

  big

  satisfied

6. Candles, flashlights, and lamps illuminate the room.

Using the example clue, the word illuminate in this sentence means

  lower

  light up

  darken

  weaken

7. The girls languidly put on their jackets as if they had no energy at all.

Using the comparison clue, the word languidly in this sentence means

  energetically

  energy-less

  quickly

  actively

UNIT 3Flashcards on your ownContext Clues – stories

a. Read Jabberwocky or Reading Apprentice excerptb. Fill in story with own words…. Then match to vocab wordsc. Write own story with vocab words

2. Whenever we have a party, Ashley is the first person on the list. Her vivacious personality is contagious. She is so full of life; a party is always a success with her in attendance.

vivacious means:

Clues:

3. The fact that we had a campfire here last night was quite palpable. You could still see the ashes and smell the remnants of the fire. All that was missing was the heat and the sound.

palpable means:

Clues:

UNIT 4Word Walls (associations/categories, pics, mnemonic devices)

1) Flashcards with mnemonic devices & pics (SAT) 2) Associations/Categories

Categorize – c. Closed: give categories and have students organize words in themd. Open: let the kids make categories that fit the words

UNIT 5- Have fun Crossword, Word Searches, Boggle, Scrabble

CREATIVE WRITING

Write as many words as you can to complete the sentence.1. Sally, Ray, and I played ____ until bedtime. I won two times.

2. The ____ apple is nice to touch. It's yummy, too!

3. The bird ____ through the sky with little effort. It was beautiful to watch it fly among the clouds.

4. The crowd was ____ when the elephant at the zoo sprayed them with water. They were soaked from head to toe.