Four-Square Vocab (Vocabulary Strategy)novelinks.org/uploads/Novels/NumberTheStars/Four... · Four-Square Vocab (Vocabulary Strategy) ... Definition in Your Words Picture/Abstract

Four-Square Vocab (Vocabulary Strategy) Text Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry. Published by Yearling, New York City, 1989. Context This instructional routine will be taught either before the book or at least before the given vocabulary arises in the book; the important part of the timing of this strategy is that it occurs before the students encounter the word in context of the novel. For this particular set of vocabulary, this strategy should be done before the students read chapter 4. Statement of Purpose This strategy supports literacy acquisition by arming students with the meaning of words which will help increase their reading fluency. Increased fluency can help students move past decoding words or understanding them on a denotative level to comprehending meanings of passages, and this experience of easier reading can increase the likelihood of reading success and enjoyment which may lead to reading in the future. This strategy specifically aids students through giving them a method in which to expand their vocabulary by exploring the word in different manners and is adapted from Dr. Sirpa Grierson (2012). Directions (for the teacher) Main Idea Vocabulary in this novel, while not extremely difficult, does pose some unknown words to eighth graders: words that are a little more advanced and words that religiously or historically specific. In order to better enhance literacy fluency, this activity will encourage students to internalize and own several key words. Thus, students will not only know what the words mean as they come across them in the text, but they will be able to recognize and use them in the future. Materials Needed Four-Square Worksheet Access to print or online dictionaries Time 20-30 minutes Step 1 - Directions Pass out the worksheet and dictionaries to the students. Instruct students that they will look up the dictionary definition of each vocabulary word. Then, in the second box they will write down the definition in their own words, in the third they will draw a picture or artistic representation of the word, and in the last box they will use the word in a meaningful way in a sentence (be sure to express that sentences cannot be “Eric knew what synagogue meant.”). Step 2 - Modeling Fill out the first box together as a class if this is the first time your class has done this vocabulary strategy to model the thought process and requirements of each box. This will allow students to be exactly sure what they are supposed to create. Step 3 - Monitoring As students are working on their worksheets, circulate around the room to answer

Number the Stars 2012

questions and ensure that students are remaining on task and completing that exercise satisfactorily. Step 4 - Wrap-up Have students pair up with the student next to them and take turns teaching each other words on the list and sharing their examples and pictures. Reign students back in and discuss the strategy- how effective they found it, other situations in which this activity would help them learn new material. If there are any lingering questions about vocabulary words, address them, and lastly instruct students to look for these words as they read through chapter four, as you collect the worksheets. Assessment In order to assess student learning, in addition to what data you gathered through monitoring, collect the worksheets to flip through them and make certain that students got the gist of the words. Also, when going over passages in class the next day that include these vocabulary words assess if students still understand the meaning through a discussion or a writing exercise. If students are able to understand these words, then they will be able to exert their energy on understanding the most likely unfamiliar context of the novel and the plot itself. Name_________________________________

Chapter 4 Vocabulary Directions: Find the dictionary definition of each vocabulary and write down the definition in your own words in the designated box. Then, draw a picture or create an abstract art representation of the vocabulary word, and in the final box, use the word in a sentence that proves you understand the word.

Dubious

Definition in Your Words

Picture/Abstract Art Sentence

Anderson and Decker, BYU


Glower



Synagogue



Disdain





Submerge



Relocation





Sabbath



Disgust




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Four-Square Vocab (Vocabulary Strategy)novelinks.org/uploads/Novels/NumberTheStars/Four... · Four-Square Vocab (Vocabulary Strategy) ... Definition in Your Words Picture/Abstract