As students read, they often encounter unfamiliar vocabulary. In order to help students master these new words and engage them in the story, have them create vocabulary boards for new words in "Amigo Brothers". Vocabulary boards are a great way to provide visual context for students. In the boards, students can choose to create their own sentence or use the example from the text alongside their definition and illustration.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Using a three-celled spider map with title and descriptions boxes, label the boxes: Description, Words with Related Meanings (synonyms), and Example.
In the description boxes of the above three cells put:
Finally, create illustrations to go along with descriptions.
You can easily differentiate vocabulary in a story by giving students different words to start with. Depending on reading level, having students look for words that will challenge but not overwhelm them is important.
Even with different vocabulary words to start with, some students may still need more help than others. Engage students and help them succeed at whatever point in the process that they are.
Students can create their own meaning by writing a personal sentence about their vocabulary words and drawing a creative picture to go along with it. These activities will aid in retention and understanding of the new words.
A vocabulary board is an activity where students can look more closely at a new vocabulary word in order to retain it more efficiently. By writing a personal sentence using the word and drawing a picture, students will be more likely to learn the word for the long-term.
Students can easily tune out on a story if they meet too many words they don't know. By learning a list of important vocabulary prior to reading, you are giving students something to look for when they read, and raising their engagement level and learning.