Building Vocabulary

Karla requested that this be added to the blog, so here it is...

I know building vocabulary is very important in helping students achieve better reading comprehension and improving their writing skills, but a direct approach of feeding kids a list of weekly definitions doesn't seem effective long term. So, last night by sheer luck at Amazon.com, I followed some links and stumbled upon a book that teaches vocabulary words through rap music. What I like most about it is that it teaches the words in context because each rap song is a story in itself. We all know that teaching vocabulary in a meaningful context is the way to go and that those who read a lot have the best vocabularies. I hope that this will work well with my students (especially the reluctant readers)- I will keep you posted after I try it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-KSa5BlbvY

http://www.flocabulary.com/wordup_green_listen.html (by the way I love the sample song- it is right on target to what the kids are actually into at this age).

Here are some other ideas to reach other learning styles:

http://www.amazon.com/Yo-Momma-Vocabulary-Builder/dp/0974043982

http://www.amazon.com/Rock-SAT-Learning-Listening-Slamming/dp/0071469036/ref=pd_sim_b_3

http://www.amazon.com/Vocabulary-Cartoons-Building-Educated-Mnemonics/dp/0965242277/ref=pd_sim_b_6

Student Projects

The student plot comic strips are due this Friday, but some have already turned them in early... Check it out!

Plot Example on Bubblr

Cause and Effect

For tomorrow's cause and effect lesson...

For when we write poetry...

I am thinking of using Bookr next six weeks for a poetry unit. Perhaps the students can write their own poetry and then find an image to match each verse's meaning. Again, it's another super easy tool to use by the same creators of Bubblr. Check it out at: http://www.pimpampum.net/bookr

Independent Reading

This year, I am trying to move towards a class based solely (well, mostly) on independent reading. By doing this, I aspire to create students who will love to read and by effect, become good readers.

I give credit to my father for making me a reader. Every Sunday after church he would take me to Bookstop and let me choose two or three books. I would stay up for hours past my bedtime devouring these books plus the others I would pick up from the school library. Thus, I became a decent reader, a decent thinker, and a decent writer. Thanks DAD!

Stocking up a classroom library has been expensive, but I have scored some good deals along the way. My best resources have been: the Scholastic book clubs, Half Price Book's clearance section, Amazon's Bargain bin, the public library's bookstore, and Bookcloseouts.com.

Lots of money, but going to great use- filling kids' brains.

Looking for ways to make my class more engaging, I found some inspiration at: http://daily-english-activities.blogspot.com.

I spent the afternoon experimenting on http://www.pimpampum.net/bubblr and it has been easy and fun. I think (hope) that my students will enjoy making this. Will post the student projects when they are finished!