Hands-on Vocabulary

One of the fourth grade standards is to "expand vocabulary". Research indicates that students need to hear a word 8 to 12 times for it to become part of their usable vocabulary.

We provide many opportunities in school to develop the 8-12 repetitions necessary for students to be successful on the weekly list of vocabulary words.

Students:
* have direct instruction, given each word and definition. They write it in their notebooks.
* read a short story that uses the words.
* practice applying the words, usually in their Practice Books. (Students are also encouraged to reread the word and definition in their notes before they answer each question).
* read the words in the main weekly story in their text books.
* practice the words during flex groups.
* students are encouraged to listen for the words, and find the words in the media and books they view and read or to apply their words on their own. Students earn initials on their Responsibility Cards for each example they find for that week.
* the words are written in each newsletters to encourage families and staff to use the words.
* hear the words applied in class by Ms. Leom (3-5x a week)
* additional practice as the time allows

For this week, additional practice was the Memory Game using flashcards with a partner:

Students are exposed to additional vocabulary words in Math, Social Studies, Science, Health, Music, Art, and throughout their day. It is a fascinating (one of our words) when these words overlap.

Today, vocabulary memory game ... our hands-on learning.