English Language Arts Blog | ELA Focus - Writing with Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Shakespeare Lesson Plan: Create Thine Own Vocabulary Insult, Grades 6–12

In honor of Shakespeare’s birthday on April 23rd have students create Shakespeare-like insults*, but with vocabulary words! This silly Shakespeare...

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Vocabulary

ACT/SAT Test-Taking Strategies: Pre-assess & Differentiate Vocabulary Learning

After 13+ years teaching high school English, I've concluded that ACT and SAT test-taking strategies are more successful when educators make...

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Vocabulary

Fun Vocabulary Activities for End of the School Year

As the school year comes to a close, I find myself on the struggle bus right alongside my students. While they are anxious for summer, I am anxious to...

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Vocabulary

April Poetry Month – Fun Poetry Activities & Resources for Teachers

These fun poetry activities will make it easy to celebrate April’s National Poetry Month in your classroom. All month, students and teachers across the...

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Vocabulary

Using Prezi in the Classroom to Teach Vocabulary, Grades 6–12

One of my favorite vocabulary activities is Present Vocabulary with Prezi. I quickly learned that combining technology with vocabulary instruction...

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Vocabulary

How Word Parts and Context Clues Strategies Can Help Students Become Better Test Takers

So often, teachers tell students to figure out what a word means based on its word parts or on surrounding context clues, but I rarely know how to...

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Vocabulary

ESL Valentine's Day Lesson for Vocabulary Learning, Grades 1–12

Valentine's Day is approaching and offers teachers with the opportunity to link ESL students' interest in the calendar holiday with vocabulary...

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Vocabulary

2018 Olympic Activities for Students That Will Strengthen Vocabulary

Are you and your students excited for the XXIII Olympic Winter Games? The Winter Olympics are especially exciting for me because they take place when...

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Vocabulary

8 Strategies for Teaching ELL Students Vocabulary Words

I have been friends with each of the three English Language Learner (ELL) teachers that have served my district since I began teaching, but I...

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Vocabulary

8 Ways to Integrate Greek/Latin Roots into Vocabulary Routines

I often get asked about how best to teach Greek and Latin Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes. Today I will share ways I integrate teaching Greek/Latin Roots...

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Vocabulary

Winter & Holiday-Themed Activities Students Can Use to Review Vocabulary and Improve Writing

Get students back on task and engaged in learning with these winter and holiday-themed activities! Below are six printable worksheets students can use...

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Vocabulary

Thanksgiving Vocabulary Worksheets Your Students Will Love

Celebrate the Thanksgiving season in the classroom with vocabulary words! Like most holidays, the festivities surrounding Thanksgiving give teachers an...

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Vocabulary

11 Vocabulary Homework Ideas And How To Motivate Students To Do It!

As a teacher, I try to concentrate students’ learning on activities done in class, because asking some students to complete work at home can be...

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Vocabulary

How to Be Successful Mentoring New Teachers

As the "mentor coordinator" for my entire district, I have learned much by observing and working alongside mentors and beginning teachers. My role as...

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Vocabulary

Fall-Inspired Haiku Poetry Worksheet

When the weather starts to turn chilly, I want to grab a mug of hot apple cider and go on a hayride. I also want to play in the leaves. While I do not...

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Vocabulary

3 Vocabulary Activities to Use with In-Class Texts

I make it a priority to integrate vocabulary into every aspect of my English class. I really enjoy having students use their vocabulary to discuss the...

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Vocabulary

Free Earth Day Vocabulary Activity for All Grade Levels

The Earth Day Vocabulary Activity is a great way to connect vocabulary instruction, art, and the environment.

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Vocabulary

Compose Love Notes to Words with a Valentines Day Vocabulary Activity

Valentine’s Day is approaching and you know how much I LOVE words, so I thought it would be fun to compose valentines to vocabulary words!

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Vocabulary

How to Make Vocabulary Improvement and Instruction a Whole-School Endeavor

Students attend multiple classes every day and often don’t connect ideas or concepts from one class to another. By bringing students’ attention to...

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Vocabulary

Vocab Gal Top 10 Best of 2016

As 2016 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting over the best new ideas from the Vocab Gal blog. I love challenging myself to think critically about...

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Vocabulary

Top 3 Best Traits Vocabulary Activity, Grades 3–12

It’s so easy to put ourselves down and give up when challenges arise; I know, I sometimes feel defeated by the innumerable ways that I could be a...

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Vocabulary

3rd Grade Vocabulary Worksheets, Printables, and Resources

Today I'm sharing 3rd grade vocabulary worksheets and printables that will make the word building process more exciting for students! These free...

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Vocabulary

Using Learning Centers to Enhance Vocabulary Instruction

I often find that students need variety and a short time frame to keep them focused on learning; therefore, I really love setting up vocabulary...

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Vocabulary

Setting Learning and Vocabulary Expectations in the Classroom

I am always really excited about learning and teaching vocabulary words, but my students aren’t always as exhilarated as I am. After seeing a poster in...

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Vocabulary

The Top 3 Ways to Integrate Vocabulary Into Your Classroom Routine

Many teachers tell me that they just don’t have time for vocabulary instruction on top of everything else they need to do in the classroom. Of course,...

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Vocabulary

Summer PD: The Value of Intentional Vocabulary Instruction in Middle School

Summer break is a great time for teachers and principals to participate in professional development. Today I'm sharing an eBook teachers can download...

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Vocabulary

Fun Summer Vocabulary Review Activities

I wanted to highlight a few ways to end the school year with some vocabulary fun. Included are some new and old vocabulary activities that are just...

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Vocabulary

Vacation Postcards– A Summer Vocabulary Activity

I love getting mail and I know my students do, too. Just in time for summer, here is a unique vocabulary activity that will encourage students to use...

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary Activity Worksheet: 5 Pieces of Advice Using Words

So often we teachers impart advice to students, but they often do not get to do the same. This week, give your budding sages the opportunity to impart...

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Vocabulary

10 Quick Write Prompts to Practice Vocabulary

My colleagues and I often start off the day with “Quick Writes” — activities in which students write about a topic for three to five minutes, without...

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Vocabulary

Winter Vocabulary Worksheets Your Students Will Love

We have already had one snow day and two delayed starts for cold morning temperatures here in my Mid-western town of Columbus, Ohio. Students love to...

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Vocabulary

3 Vocabulary Practice Worksheets for Digitally Savvy Students

So often, students feel a disconnect between their personal lives and their school lives, and I want to help find opportunities to connect the two. I...

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Vocabulary

Holiday-Inspired Vocabulary Activity: Design the Perfect Gift

During the holiday season, we are often consumed with finding the perfect gifts to give our loved ones. Trying to find a gift that convey your...

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Vocabulary

“Build Your Own Sundae” Vocabulary Activity for K–12 Students

There are few desserts I like better than a delectable ice cream sundae, preferably one that is built with a base of brownie, cookie, or shortcake!...

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Vocabulary

Persuasive Letter Writing Exercises for Grades 2–12

I can’t wait to present at NCTE 2015 so many educational rockstars including writing goddess Dr. Beverly Chin, grammar guru, Tiffany Rehbein, English...

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Vocabulary

17 Printable Vocabulary-Building Games

I love vocabulary-building games and activities; the students are always excited to learn and the classroom becomes a genuinely positive space. I can...

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Vocabulary

Pumpkin Patch Fall Vocabulary Activity, Grades 1–12

Pumpkins-to me no vegetable has more connotations associated with it. Pumpkins remind me of Fall and Halloween and Thanksgiving and pumpkin pie and...

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary-Building Worksheets That Combine Creative Graphics & Writing

At a workshop, a teacher gave me this idea for an interactive vocabulary activity as well as permission to share it on the blog. Thank you to this...

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Vocabulary

Student of the Week Vocabulary Activity for Grades 1–12

In the small town where I teach, the local paper runs a “Teen of the Week” article about a promising senior every Friday. I am often interviewed as to...

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6th Grade Vocabulary Worksheets, Printables, and Resources

Today I'm sharing 6th grade vocabulary worksheets and printables that will make the word building process more exciting for students! As you prepare...

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Vocabulary

5th Grade Vocabulary Worksheets, Printables, and Resources

Today I'm sharing 5th grade vocabulary worksheets and printables that will make the word building process more exciting for students! As you prepare...

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Vocabulary

Summer Soundtrack Vocabulary Activity, Grades 6–12

I got to borrow my dad’s car for one week on vacation and listened to two Sirius radio channels - 90’s on 9 and Pop2K on 10. My son keeps asking me why...

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Vocabulary

4th Grade Vocabulary Worksheets, Printables, and Resources

Today I'm sharing 4th grade vocabulary worksheets and printables that will make the word building process more exciting for students! As you prepare...

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Vocabulary

2nd Grade Vocabulary Worksheets, Printables, and Resources

Today I'm sharing 2nd grade vocabulary worksheets and printables that will make the word building process more exciting for students! As you prepare...

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Vocabulary

A Fun Vocabulary Activity That Will Enhance Students' Social Media Summer Break

I was talking to seniors last weekend at a graduation party who remarked how excited they still get every time they hear a vocabulary word. Their...

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Vocabulary

Building Academic Vocabulary with Virtual Museum Tours, Grades 1–12

Sometimes the best place for students to learn is outside of the classroom. Unfortunately, it's not very often teachers get to take their class on a...

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Building Vocabulary Skills with a Paint Chips Printable Worksheet, Grades 3–12

I love looking at paint chip strips; each color’s name is so evocative of lovely ideas, foods and places that I always find myself wanting to decorate...

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Vocabulary

Hit a Verbal Home Run with a Baseball Vocabulary Game, Grades 3–12

Opening day is April 1st , and my baseball vocabulary game will be a real hit with your students!

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Vocabulary

How to Create Student Vocabulary Game Boards to Review Words, Grades 3–12

Have you seen my Vocab Land Game Board? Out of all of the amazing creations the graphics team has come up with based on my simple, typed ideas, it is...

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Vocabulary

Design Your Own Dwelling Vocabulary Activity, Grades 2–12

It’s always interesting to see where people live and how they decorate their homes. Getting a glimpse of a persons living quarters can tell you a lot...

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Vocabulary

Snow Day Details Vocabulary Activity, Grades 1–8

Last year when many of us were experiencing severe "Polar Vortex" storms, I shared a simple writing activity where students describe their ideal snow...

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Vocabulary

QUICK Vocabulary Review & Practice Activities for Students (Handouts Included)

As I prepare my students for their semester exam that will include 80-100 vocabulary words, I feel the need to insert little vocabulary activities to...

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Vocabulary

The Turkey's Talking Vocabulary Activity, K–12

How can a turkey get out of Thanksgiving without being eaten? By describing how delicious all the other foods at the table are, of course!

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Vocabulary

The Big Three Comma Rules Grammar & Writing Tip Sheet, Grades 3–12

Commas, commas everywhere. But where should they really be? Comma placement can be confusing for students. This tip sheet explains the top three comma...

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Vocabulary

Back-to-School Icebreaker: Create a Name with Vocabulary Words, Grades 3–12

This simple back-to-school vocabulary activity is a great icebreaker and will get students immediately learning new vocabulary words. Also, this...

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Vocabulary

Back-to-School Icebreaker: Puzzle Together Your Vocabulary Words, Grades 1–12

Are you looking for a fun AND educational back-to-school icebreaker? With a few minor tweaks, Puzzle Together Your Vocabulary Words makes a great...

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Vocabulary

Summer Learning: A Pinterest Board Vocabulary Activity, Grades 6–12

Trying to keep students engaged in learning throughout the summer is never an easy task. Summer learning not only requires students skip out on...

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary Comic Strip Activity, Grades 2–12

I love reading comic strips; I especially love comic strips that include vocabulary words. I have cut out and posted several around my room, and...

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary Think-Tac-Toe Activity, Grades 6–12

Today I’d like to share a great vocabulary activity entitled, Vocabulary Think-Tac-Toe. This vocabulary game gives students options in regards to their...

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary Game for Students: Row Races with Words, Grades 4–12

Row Races is a game that encourages students to use their vocabulary and creative writing skills. Divided into teams of four, students will use a Row...

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary Activity: Vocabulary Pumpkin Patch, Grades 1–12

Pumpkins-to me no vegetable has more connotations associated with it. Pumpkins remind me of Fall and Halloween and Thanksgiving and pumpkin pie and...

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary Activity: Creating Pinterest Vocabulary Boards, Grades 1–12

With the Pinterest Board Vocabulary Activity students draw or cut out images of things that will help them remember their vocabulary words! These...

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Vocabulary

Summer Vocabulary Learning: There's a Word for That Activity, Grades 6–12

I propose we keep great words at the front of our students' brains (and tongues) during summer break by participating in this fun and easy activity!...

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary Worksheet: Thou Shalt Create Thine Own Vocabulary Insult

In honor of Shakespeare’s birthday this week, I thought it would be fun to have my students create Shakespeare-like insults, but with vocabulary!

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary Activity: Bowdlerizing to Vocabularizing Poetic Texts

I love the word bowdlerize-not because I love censoring (to bowdlerize is to censor/expurgate materials), but because I love the story behind this...

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Vocabulary Activity: Feeling Lucky with Vocabulary Words

Just when I needed some inspiration for this week’s vocabulary activity, my amazing new friend Becky Amaral, who teaches sixth and seventh grade...

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary Activity: Create Your Own Award with Vocabulary

As promised, I mused over vocabulary activities involving awards after receiving approbation as a Best Teacher Blogger from We Are Teachers two weeks...

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Vocabulary

Create A Vocab Playlist Vocabulary Activity, Grades 6–12

My students love music-they walk in to class with earphones in or t-shirts blazoned with their favorite bands. One day last week, I was reviewing...

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary Activity: Words Make The Man

I’d like to think that words make the man, rather than clothes (I also want to say human rather than just man). When it came to making my own...

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Vocabulary

Describing Your Perfect Meal Vocabulary Activity, Grades 1–12

Everyone has a favorite meal-foods that conjure up fond memories or set one’s taste buds to watering. Today, I propose we harness students’ stomachs...

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary Activity: Word Girl Skits, Grades 2–12

Inspired by the PBS show, Word Girl, I've created a vocabulary activity where students teach vocabulary words to each other by creating a performing...

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Vocabulary

Teaching Academic Vocabulary with Virtual Museum Tours

I always strive to come up with unique activities for teaching academic vocabulary. When vocabulary instruction becomes redundant, students tend to...

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary Activity: There’s a Word for That

I propose to get great words at the front of our and our students’ brains (and tongues) by participating in this fun and easy activity. The Word for...

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Vocabulary

Name a Car! Vocabulary Activity, Grades 4–12

What is a sure fire way to get students excited about vocabulary? Ask them to come up with a fun name for a brand new car.

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary Activity: Branding with Vocabulary

Have you ever noticed how many vocabulary words are in brands? Every year, my kids will walk up to me with a blank CD, DVD or jump drive and say,...

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Vocabulary

Teaching Vocabulary– Getting Students to 'Reach for the Stars'

How can you motivate students to do extra work without extra credit? This has been the newest discussion question around the departmental coffee pot[1]

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