TOPIC: VOCABULARY

        "The most powerful thing that can be done is to name something."

                                                                                  (Albert Einstein)

Dictionary definitions:

1.  are accurate, but contain difficult vocabulary.

2.  may not be appropriate for the context.

3.  may not contain enough information to help the reader truly grasp the concept or understand how the word is used.

 Alternatives to Dictionary Definitions:

1.  Visualize an image associated with a word.

2.  Remember a personal experience associated with a word.

3.  Fold a paper in four parts.  Write word in top left square, dictionary definition in top right square, subjective association in bottom left square, illustration in bottom right square.

4.  Use pantomimes.  Imagine a simple gesture for the word. Associate pantomimes with words.

5.  Analyze familiar elements of words.  (quadrangle, ecology) This is morphemic, or meaning of parts, analysis.

6.  Use a study guide based on following sections: (See example.)

Target word     Suffixes    Root    Prefixes  Synonym  Related Words    Sentences

7.  Use context. Provide a list of words prior to reading.  Students provide definitions based upon their reading.  After reading, students consult dictionaries and rewrite definitions accordingly.

8.  Use analogies.  Have students complete a word analogy. (Sphere:Ball as Cube:?)

9.  Have students categorize groups of words according to similar characteristics.

10.  Use webbing.  Place the target word in the middle. Connect associated words.