Differentiation Activities for Vocabulary
General Expectations:
o All word work is completed on properly set up papers.
o All vocabulary words on assignments are expected to be spelled and
used correctly.
o Word working assignments will be graded for ILA, but may also be
graded for science, social studies, or math.
o Assignments may be done on the computer as appropriate or assigned
by the teacher.
Assignments:
1. Look up each ILA vocabulary word by re-reading the meaning of the
word as it is explained in the context of the chapter/story, looking in
the glossary of the anthology or textbook, or using a dictionary.
Write the word and its meaning. Use each word in a sentence. Word
forms are acceptable. Make sure each sentence shows you know the
meaning of the word. Underline each word every time you use it.
Example:
Eligible – Qualified to be chosen or to participate.
Thomas was not eligible to play on the Washington Middle School
basketball team because he received two F’s on his report card.
2. Look up each science, social studies and math word. Use each in a
sentence. Underline each spelling word. Use the format from # 1.
3. Use every spelling word to make shape boxes. Put these shape boxes
in alphabetical order. Print each letter. A sample is below:
4. Use eight of your words in a well-developed paragraph. Look up any
words you do not know before beginning.
5. Write each word in alphabetical order and by syllables. If you are not
sure where a word divides, use your dictionary. If you do not use
your dictionary to do your work, use it to check your work. Mark the
accented syllable in multi-syllable words.
6. Use your social studies, science and math words in a letter to a friend
in which you are explaining what you are studying in these subjects.
Be sure you do not just create a list! Use the following sample for the
correct form for friendly letters:
Your Street Address
Your city, state and zip code
Today’s date
Dear John,
Please come and visit us on September 9th. We will meet you at the train
station.
Yours truly,
Your name
7. Make a chart which organizes all the words by the parts of speech.
Your chart should include: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and
interjections.
8. Explain how each of this week’s words could connect to another
subject other that the subject area where it is listed.
9. Make a chart with the following columns: Prefixes, Suffixes,
Compound Words. List the words in the appropriate column. If the
word does not include a prefix, a suffix, or is not a compound word,
use the word and add a prefix, suffix, or make it a compound word
and list it in the appropriate column.
10.Write synonyms (as many as you can think of) for each of the words.
11.Write antonyms (as many as you can think of) for each of the words.
12.Create a new word for each word on your list. Add as many endings
to each word to create more new words. Example: walk becomes
walks, walked, walking.
13.Create a crossword puzzle using all of the words from your list. Make
an answer key for the puzzle so that your teachers could use it in
class.
14.Create a word scramble puzzle using all of the words from your list.
Make an answer key for the puzzle so that your teachers could use it
in class.
15. Divide each word into syllables. Give the correct # of syllables.
Example: mi/gra/tion = 3
16.Create a monthly calendar page (you may use a computer program).
Then, using all the words from your list, write notes to yourself on the
blank calendar page.
17.Write one or more rhyming words for each word on the list.
18.Create newspaper headlines using the words. You may change the
word form. Underline the word from your list in each title. Example:
Windstorm Kills Livestock in the Grasslands.
19.Circle or list one or more small word/s in each word from the list.
Example: hypothesis (pot, the, thesis, is)
20.Use five of the words in sentences which show understanding of
context clues. Context clues might be definitions, restatement,
example clues, compare and contrast and inference clues. (Note:
Teachers need to review context clues first)
21.Use your science, math or social studies words in a dialogue where
two people are discussing the subject. The dialogue should be
properly punctuated and should accurately reflect knowledge of the
science, math, social studies word. Underline the spelling words.
22.Connect Two Activity: Make connections between words based on
what you have read during the week. “Based on what I read, I would
connect ________ and ________ because _____________________.”
23.Interview a Word Activity: Write answers to the “Interview a Word”
questions for 5 of the words on the list. (Note: Teachers see page J-8a
in Jigsaw Activities)
24. Making Choices Example: Choose 3 words from the list. For each
word, write statements that could be used for examples of that word
(Note: Teacher see page J-10 in Jigsaw Activities).
25.Making Connections Activity: Complete one “Making Connections”
activity sheet for 5 different words on the list (Note: Teachers see
page J-15 in Jigsaw Activities).
26.Vocabulary Squares: Choose any words from you list with an affix
and complete a “Vocabulary Square” sheet for each word (Note:
Teachers see page J-29 in Jigsaw Activities)
27.Vocabulary Word Map: Complete one “Vocabulary Word Map”
activity sheet for 5 different words on the list (Note: Teachers see
page J-38 in Jigsaw Activities).
28.Word Scrolls: Complete one “Word Scroll” activity sheet for 5
different words on the list (Note: Teachers see page J-43 in Jigsaw
Activities).