This quote suits our need for an enriched vocabulary perfectly! "Vocabulary words are the building blocks of the internal learning structure. Vocabulary is also the tool to better define a problem, seek more accurate solutions, etc."-Ruby K. Payne Bridges Out of Poverty
I teach a bright, polite, enthusiastic, and curious, group of fourth graders this year.
They have manners, are eager to learn, and respect one another- which is so refreshing! Our school is an elementary school of three year old preschool to fifth grade students. It is economically diverse as well as the largest elementary school in our community. It is also the only school that loops grade levels kindergarten through fifth grade, which means I will have my wonderful students for two years. We are a close nit "family" of life long learners that support each other celebrating education.
My Project
Every week, my students are introduced to new vocabulary through Treasures stories, Scholastic News, science lessons, and social studies. I want the children to have a better understanding of this vocabulary so I am having students make a vocabulary notebook. In this notebook, students will keep all of the words that they learn throughout the school year. For each word, students write the definition, synonyms, antonyms, draw a picture to help them remember the meaning of the word, and then write the word in a meaningful sentence. Throughout the week, students work in small groups or pairs to complete their vocabulary words for the week. They use dictionaries, thesauri (that are out-dated and limited in word selection), their Treasures book, Scholastic News, and other resources they may get their vocabulary from. I feel that having a better understanding of the words they are seeing throughout their curriculum will allow them to use them daily in school and life.
The students will be able to use these new thesauri to expand their vocabulary and understanding of words that they are seeing across their curriculum.
I feel that students that have a good base in vocabulary, as well as an enriched vocabulary, will be able to understand what they are reading, express themselves, and identify with other peers better. "The more words you know, the more clearly and powerfully you will think...and the more ideas you will invite into your mind." -Wilfred Funk
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