This resource includes everything you need to implement a Words of the Week or Word of the Day routine in your classroom. You’ll find digital slides for introducing each word, word cards to post on your word wall, printable activity sheets, and a digital activity sheet option.

If you wish to use the digital component, use it to introduce each word. Begin by showing the slide with the word only. Ask your students questions like, “Have you heard this word before? Where have you heard it? What does it mean?” Then show the slide with the definition and sample sentence and discuss.

Next, post the matching word cards on your vocabulary board, word wall, or a piece of chart paper, where they will stay for the week. I love to use sticky notes for a vocabulary routine – it adds an element of fun and challenge for your students! Have your students write a sentence using a specified number of vocabulary words. Or, provide extra challenge by having students use as many vocabulary words as possible in a paragraph!

If you’d prefer not to use sticky notes, you may also use the printable or digital activity sheets.

Then comes the fun part! Use the words throughout the week in your classroom. Use them in your teaching, notice them in the books you read, and encourage your students to use them in their writing! Another fun idea is to choose a challenge word and have your students use it as much as possible when speaking to other staff members in the school. See how long it takes the other staff members to catch on!

Next, dedicate a space in your classroom to post the new vocabulary words once you have worked with them for the week. This can serve as a year-long word wall that students can refer to for their writing and speaking.

Ready to get started helping your students build a robust vocabulary? Find the Grades 2-4 version here and the Grades 5-8 version here.

Looking for other fun ways to help your students enrich their vocabulary? Find more ideas here!

The post Need a Fun Vocabulary Routine? Try a Word of the Day Challenge! appeared first on Shelley Gray.

Word Map

Have students show connections between new vocabulary and words they already know using a graphic organizer. Try creating a word map as a class for new vocabulary words. Include ideas such as synonyms, antonyms, similar words, or rhyming words.

Vocabulary Short Stories

Write a short story or paragraph using as many vocabulary words as possible. Challenge students to use as many as they can!

Collaborative Story

This is related to the last idea, but this time it’s collaborative! First, have each student choose a vocabulary word. One student uses their word to write a sentence, and then the next student adds to the story using their word until all students have contributed. Then read aloud and prepare to be entertained!

Word of the Day/Words of the Week Vocabulary Routine

Use this Building Vocabulary resource for Grades 2-4 or Grades 5-8 to implement a simple but effective vocabulary routine. Use the digital slides to predict and discuss. What does this word mean? Have you heard it before? Then post the word cards on your vocabulary bulletin board or a piece of chart paper where they will stay for the week. Have students use the new words to write sentences or paragraphs.

Use the words throughout the week in your classroom! Use the new vocabulary in your teaching if possible, and encourage your students to use the new words in their writing.  At the end of each week, add the words to a word wall, where they can stay as student references all year long!

See the Grades 2-4 Building Vocabulary resource HERE or the Grades 5-8 Building Vocabulary resource HERE.

Graffiti Wall

Students write vocabulary words and decorate them with colors, patterns or designs that help them make connections to the words.

Guessing Game

Students join in partners, write the vocabulary words on cards, and divide them equally. One student gives clues, while the other must guess the vocabulary word. Students take turns giving clues and guessing.

Word Sort

Students sort a group of vocabulary words by certain criteria. Students could sort words based on part of speech, words they know and words they don’t know, or any other criteria relevant to your classroom.

Gallery Walk/Carousel Activity

Post pieces of chart paper around the classroom, with one vocabulary word written on each piece. Students circulate the room in partners or groups of three, writing a new sentence on each piece of paper. The sentence MUST be different from all the others that have already been written. When everyone is finished, have a class discussion to share the sentences. See more about how to do a gallery walk in this post.

Word Detectives

See how many vocabulary words students can find in daily reading across subject areas. Keep a tally on the board that students can add to when they see one of the vocabulary words.

Word Fix

Use one of the vocabulary words incorrectly. Have students correct the mistake.

Sketchnotes

Have students draw sketches relating to the word, filling their page with all the vocabulary words for the week or month. This gives students a visual association and makes the words meaningful for students.

The post 11 Fun Ideas to Help Your Students Build a Robust Vocabulary appeared first on Shelley Gray.