Summary
Students assumed the role of word warriors as they attacked new words discovered during their reading. Using www.tweentribune.com, the students chose a high-interest article to read. They used ActiveEngage to brainstorm Vocabulary Decoding Strategies (like context clues and root word parts). They generated a list of strategies to decipher and determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases within authentic text. The teacher even contributed strategies, not from a textbook, but from his or her personal experience as a reader.
TIPC Ratings
Research and Information Fluency was not a focus of this lesson.
Communication and Collaboration was not a focus of this lesson.
Ideal: Solving the issue of unknown and challenging vocabulary is critical to success in English, all strands. With this lesson, students are brainstorming, questioning, and applying the appropriate strategy to their reading. Since not all strategies work for all students, critical thinking and problem solving is also required to decide what works best for individual needs. The students decided to use ActivEngage to brainstorm their strategies, and the task is authentic, as people read articles, signs, and stories and encounter unfamiliar words every day. They also reflected on their roles as critical thinkers by answering reflection questions.
Creativity and Innovation was not a focus of this lesson.
Student Artifact
Download Files
- Lesson Plan
- ActivInspire Flipchart
- Student Artifacts and Brainstorm
