Roald Dahl
Matilda - The Weekly Test
Readers take the main characters in Matilda and individually describe them through a mnemonic. To get there, group members create an acrostic poem describing the character they were given, and choose one of the words from the...
Curated OER
Vocabulary Match for SMARTBoard
Second graders practice vocabulary using the interactive whiteboard. In this vocabulary match lesson, 2nd graders review vocabulary words, take turns revealing a word or definition, and then identify the match. Students utilize a...
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Phrase Card Reading
Fourth graders, after reading and discussing the book, "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing," by Judy Bloom, complete a vocabulary worksheet and read sections from the book fluently and accurately. They utilize dictionaries and thesauruses...
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Communicating about Our World through Informal Writing
Fifth graders review their writing for repetition of words at the beginning of the sentence. In this informal writing instructional activity, 5th graders share examples of sentence beginnings. Students use a thesaurus to find...
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Reading Comprehension: Context Clues
Fifth graders use context clues to help them understand unknown words. For this context clues lesson, 5th graders practice identifying context clues on a worksheet, then work with a peer to write their own story. Stories are peer edited...
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Introduction to "The Secret School"
Fourth graders read The Secret School and define vocabulary in the text. In this Secret School lesson, 4th graders recognize difficult text and are able to comprehend its meaning and answer questions.
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Research project
Eighth graders explore reference materials and then complete a research project. In this research project lesson, 8th graders choose the best reference source to use. Students learn to correctly site sources for their project....
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“Home on the Range”
Fourth graders analyze the song "Home on the Range" and identify its meaning and setting. In this timeline and retelling lesson, 4th graders use dictionaries to find definitions of unfamiliar words, create a timeline and retell the...
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Create a Word Graveyard to Teach Synonyms
Students explore descriptive writing by creating headstones. In this memorial activity, students utilize an 11" x 17" piece of paper to create a cemetery headstone memorializing a word rather than a person. Students decorate their...
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Reference Resources: Being a Good Detective
Students explore a variety of reference resources while seeking information. atlases, almanacs, dictionaries, encyclopedias, thesauri, and online search engines as well as library card catalogs are utilized in this lesson.
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Bullying
Fourth graders define the role of a bully, then participate in skits with bullying situations. In this health and safety lesson, the teacher introduces the idea of bullying with the book Enemy Pie. Then students create a double bubble...
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Our community and New York City
Fourth graders research websites to gather information about New York City and the Ridgewood community. In this New York City and Community lesson, 4th graders make a semantic map. Students write short postcards to send to students...
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Decoding Strategies
Students practice using context clues to decode the meanings of unfamiliar words. In this vocabulary skills instructional activity, students follow the provided instructions to complete graphic organizers that enable them to decode words...
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Salinger and the Vocabulary of the Vernacular
Young scholars discuss the use of slang expressions in literature. In this literary analysis lesson plan, students examine the use of slang words and expressions in the popular novel Catcher in the Rye. Young scholars...
Beacon Learning Center
Power Words
Using words can create a power struggle! Using antonyms and synonyms can create a Power Words game! Check out this lesson that teachers your class the difference between the two and how to use a thesaurus.
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Writing with Vivid Verbs
Pupils find vivid verbs in literature and use them in their own writing. In this vivid verbs lesson, students use a 'Thinking Thesaurus' of major verbs to study common verbs. Pupils then practice rewriting sentences using vivid verbs....
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Beginning, Middle or End
Second graders work with a partner. In this library skills lesson, 2nd graders watch a demonstration on how to find a word in a dictionary. Students practice finding words in the dictionary with a partner.
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Rooting One's Way To Meaning
Students use a thesaurus on the internet to explore the meanings of Greek and Latin roots. They find definitions of given words, draw a concept map for root words, and write four synonyms for each word. Students discover how Latin and...
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Cool Words to Share
Fifth graders use teacher-selected vocabulary to present a written story to a first grade student. The book include a glossary of terms and illustrations of the terms. This is a great lesson for big/little buddies to do together!
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Encyclopedia Introduction
Second graders demonstrate how to use reference materials. In this library media lesson, 2nd graders are introduced to the encyclopedia and are shown how to use the encyclopedia as a reference. Students use encyclopedias to complete a...
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Acronym Names
Pupils create an acronym out of their name. They use a thesaurus and the computer to create it. They also add pictures to make it more creative.
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What is a Dictionary?
Second graders explore the purpose of a dictionary. In this library media lesson, 2nd graders explore My First Dictionary and identify guidewords, entry words, and captions. Students list ways they can use the dictionary.
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Happiness is A Warm Puppy
Students investigate dog breeds and write a short story from a dog's perspective. In this dog research and writing lesson, students watch the film, "Dog: The Early Years. They apply critical thinking skills to determine which type of dog...
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Book Search
Fourth graders are introduced to how to use the Dewey Decimal System in libraries. After taking a pre-test, they complete a worksheet in which they determine the location of different books on the internet and on the shelf. To end the...