Living Dictionary
Purpose
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Keeping a living dictionary will expand
your vocabulary because
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The visual aspect creates connections in your
brain.
The graphic organizers require you to use
higher-order thinking skills such as evaluation,
synthesis, analysis, and application.
How will I find words?
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Between Corgrabooca and daily key
vocabulary, students will have at least ten
words a week to choose from.
Students are also expected to use words
from other classes.
Students will additionally use words they
encounter while reading.
Expectations
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All entries go on a piece of loose-leaf
paper
Entries—follow format
All entries go on loose-leaf paper and are
placed in your portfolio after notechecks.
Keep up on your entries
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In the beginning, we will all be on the same
page; as time goes by, I will assign quantity.
All New Graphic Organizers…
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Must have the letter, word, and definition
in the upper and outer corner.
Must use the entire page.
Must showcase words that were new to
you or that you did not understand.
Rubric
Single-Word Entry
Item Description
Points
Possible
The word chosen is a new, challenging, or unknown 5
word to the student.
The word is complimented by the graphic organizer. 5
All components of the graphic organizer are
completed as described in the living dictionary
powerpoint.
10
The entire page is used.
5
The format is followed.
5
Rubric
Multiple-Word Entry
Item Description
Points
Possible
At least ten [10] words are used.
10
The words chosen are new, challenging, or
unknown to the student
5
The words chosen belong together in a category or
subject.
5
The words are complimented by the graphic
organizer.
5
All components of the graphic organizer are
completed as described in the living dictionary
powerpoint.
10
Types of Graphic Organizers
 Frayer--Regale
 Word
Detective--Fatigued
 Word Masterpiece--Lament
 Parts to Whole--Genre
 Break it Down—Censorship
 Cartoon 2 sentence—lethargy
Types for Review
(must use 10 words)
 Flashcard
 Wordsplash
 Matching
Game
 Crossword puzzle
 Poem or Song
Matching Game
10 word minimum
 On 1 card, put the definition,
synonyms and antonyms, and/or
clues.
 On the second card, write the word.
 Play like the memory game.
 Put game pieces in an envelope.
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Flashcards
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10 word minimum in any subject
Use notecards, cardstock, or construction
paper.
On side 1, print the word clearly with a
marker.
On side 2, print the definition.
USE the flashcards before a quiz or test. If
you fail to use them, what was the point?
Crossword Puzzle
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10 word minimum
Work vocabulary words into a crossword
puzzle.
Put across and down clues at the bottom.
Poem or song
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10 word minimum
Create a catchy song, poem, or rap to an
existing tune or one you make up.
Record the lyrics in your living dictionary.
Use all words in context.
Wordsplash
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10-word minimum in any subject
Use before a unit, story, or as review for a
test.
Write 2 paragraphs using all the words in
context in a new way.
Parts to Whole
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Used when a word is MAIN TOPIC and has
other categories within it.
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Ex: Articles of Confederation, Rock cycle,
writing process, reading strategies
Use an image that corresponds to the
meaning of the topic.
Parts to Whole
Frayer Model
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Can be used with any word that has
synonyms, examples, and nonexamples
Frayer
Word Detective
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To be used with words that you can guess
the meaning from the context.
Sometimes you may use more than one
sentence to figure out the meaning.
You can work backwards.
Word Detective
Word Masterpiece
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Can be used with words that can be
drawn in the fashion that represents the
definition of the word.
I should not have to ask, “How does that
tell me what the word means?” after
looking at your Word Masterpiece. The
meaning should be obvious.
Word Masterpiece
Break it Down
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Choose a word that has more than one
part. (Root, suffix, prefix)
Find word origins and meanings using a
dictionary or Webster-Merriam online.
Break it Down
C2S (Cartoon and 2 Sentence)
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It is what it sounds like!
Draw a picture of what the word means
Write 2 sentences that, when read, give
the reader context clues as to what the
word means.