Vocabulary/Spelling Activities
- Have students write each vocabulary word in a complete sentence that would tell the reader its meaning through context.
- Divide the students into teams and have a SPELLDOWN. One student is asked to spell a vocabulary word when it is his/her turn. If the word is spelled correctly, the student remains standing and moves to the back of the line to be in turn again. If the word is misspelled, the student must sit down and wait until all other team members have been eliminated.
- Play SPARKLE, a variation of SPELLDOWN. Have students stand by their desks (or sit on them). Determine a point for starting and state the first vocabulary word to be spelled. The first person in the order gives the first letter, the next person gives the second letter, the third person gives the third letter, etc. When the last letter is spelled in the word, the next person in line says SPARKLE and needs to be seated. The next word is given, and the next person in line begins with the first letter, the second person gives the second letter, etc., until SPARKLE is called again, and another student is eliminated.
- Have students alphabetize the vocabulary words by using the game cards provided in each Teacher Resource Guide. Students can partner and check each other for accuracy.
- Have students write each word as a mirror image (write the words from right to left). This is a strong activity to promote greater brain activity and concentration.
- Have students divide the vocabulary words into syllables, placing the accent on the correct syllable.
Students may partner and give each other a spelling test (written and/or oral).
- Vocabulary Cards: These cards may be used as game cards or for other methods of review (found in each Teacher Resource Guide). One such strategy is VOCABULARY CONCENTRATION in which students each select a vocabulary word from the cards. On two separate index cards, each student writes the word selected on one card and the definition on the other. Students would then spread their words on the floor and try to match each vocabulary word with its definition.
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