Vocabulary Strategy #3
Using a Word Splash
Objectives:
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Assess prior knowledge
Provide motivation for reading
Set a clear purpose for reading
Decipher vocabulary
Allow for a variety of modes of learning
Steps
1. Select seven to ten social studies terms, people, or phrases from a unit of
study. Be sure to include not only similar words that will indicate the
subject of the selection but also some of the words and phrases that seem
contradictory to the others.
2. Give each student a little time to think about what the terms, people, or
phrases have in common.
3. Ask students to form small groups of three to five (or you can assign them
to groups). In their groups, they should decide what the main category or
topic is for the terms, people or phrases. They should also create a
narrative or an explanation that will include all of the words or phrases.
4. Ask each group to share their narrative or explanation. Ask student to list
the common elements they heard and list these elements on the board.
Assessment
1. Students, in small groups, are able to create a story using 90% of the words
presented.
2. Students are able to identify and list at least one common element from every
narrative presented.