If you are like me you are always looking for more exciting
ways to help your students learn their vocabulary words. I find it even more difficult to help them
learn their vocabulary in Science and Social Studies than in reading. One fun game we have begun playing to practice
vocabulary in the content areas is vocab
charades. I give one student an index
card with the vocab word on it and he or she has to act out the word without
talking. This game can actually get
silly and the kids love it. You will really
see who knows the words and who doesn’t.
Another way I’ve
developed for students to practice their vocabulary is through vocabulary
puzzles. I use these puzzles for early
finishers, in centers, and as formative assessments to see where each student
is in their vocabulary mastery. Students will match each vocabulary word puzzle piece to its matching definition puzzle piece. So far I
created vocabulary puzzles for all of our 4th grade Science
units. You can get a free download of my Water Cycle Vocabulary Puzzles HERE to try them out and see how you like them.
I plan to make some puzzles for our Social Studies units over the summer
and I promise that as soon as I get those up I will include a freebie and let
you know.
Since I’m always looking for new ideas I would love your
input. What strategies are you using to
help your students with their vocabulary?
