Splish! Splash!
Robust Vocabulary
Unit 4 – Week 1_______
Words taken from Main Selection and Oral Language cards
Word
preen
Definition
To make yourself look
nice
Synonym
clean
tidy
groom
useful
helpful
usable
desired
need
want
Antonym
messy
dirty
Gestures
Pretend to comb you
hair
handy
When something is
useful to you.
useless
Pretend to use a
screwdriver.
crave
To want something so
much you can’t stop
thinking about it.
dislike
To look for something.
search
hunt for
avoid
Showing someone you
like something or
someone
love
liking
fondness
dislike
Tongue hanging out
as if you see
something you want
to eat.
Shield eyes with
hands like you are
looking for
something.
Hands on heart then
extend hands out.
seek
affection
Day 1:
Write words on Word Wizard chart. Reread aloud the parts of story containing the
vocabulary word. Use the definitions above to reiterate what each word means.
Word Wizard Chart: Show the students the Word Wizard Chart. Say each word on the
chart. Students repeat the word after you. Give an example and gesture for each word. Let
them know that they will be learning about these words throughout the week. You will
record a tally mark on the chart when you hear students correctly using a vocabulary word.
Word Associations: After presenting explanations for each vocabulary word, ask students
to associate one of their new words or phrase.
Turn and tell your partner….
Which word goes with combing your hair? Why? (preen)
Which word goes with finding a lemonade stand when you are thirsty? Why?
(handy)
Which word goes with wanting a Hershey bar at the checkout line when your
mom is paying for groceries? Why? (crave)
Which word goes with searching for the perfect color of nail polish? Why?
(seek)
Which word goes with hugging your sister? Why? (affection)
Day 2:
Making Choices
Point to the word preen on the chart.
Say: If what I say describes preen, pretend to comb you hair and say, “preen!” If not,
cross your arms over your chest.
- combing your hair in front of the mirror
- a bird cleaning it’s feathers
- skipping your shower on Saturdays
- Putting clean clothes away
Point to the word handy on the chart.
Say: If what I say describes handy, pretend to use a screwdriver and say, “handy!” If not,
cross your arms over your chest.
- rolling over a nail with your bike and meeting a friend who loans you a bike to get
home.
- someone who can fix almost anything
- finding a spare key to let you in the door when you forgot yours
- using soap and water
Point to the word crave on the chart.
Say: If what I say describes crave, stick out your tongue and say, “crave!” If not, cross
your arms over your chest.
- coming home from school hungry
- thinking about a hot fudge sundae during math
- having to eat all your vegetables
- wanting a cold drink on a hot day
Point to the word seek on the chart.
Say: If what I say describes seek, shield your eyes and say, “seek!” If not, cross your arms
over your chest.
- watching TV
- looking for your shoes
- finding a lost toy
- looking for a friend who’s hiding
Point to the word affection on the chart.
Say: If what I say describes affection, you should put your hands on your heart and hold
them out and say, “affection!” If not, cross your arms over your chest.
- telling your friend that you aren’t talking to them anymore
- petting your dog
- a hug from your mom
- liking your Nintendo DS
Questioning, Reasons, and Examples: students turn and talk with a partner.
*A girl is putting on makeup and doing her hair. What word describes what he
is doing? Why? (preen)
*Your car breaks down in front of a gas station. What word describes the
situation? Why? (handy)
*You can’t wait to get a cheese burger at McDonalds. What word describes
your feelings? Why? (crave)
*You look for your shoes everywhere. What word describes what you did?
Why? (seek)
*Your teacher gives you a hug when you greet her. What word describes what
she is showing? Why? (affection)
Day 3
Word Wizard Chart:
Say each word on the chart. Students repeat the word after you. Review the
student friendly definitions for each word.
Relating Words:
Have students turn and talk with a partner.




Your sister spends hours in front of the mirror fixing herself up. Is this an
example of affection or preen? (preen) Why?
You hug your dog when you get home. Is this an example of seek or
affection? (affection) Why?
You are looking for your favorite Pokemon character in your friend’s deck.
Would you be showing an example of being seek or crave? (seek) Why?
When passing a candy store you stare in the window at all the candy wishing
you could have some. Would this be an example of affection or crave?
(crave) Why?
Synonym Stretch:
Show the students the Synonym Stretch Chart. Read aloud the words at the top of
the chart. Read one synonym. Students work with a partner to identify the synonym
that matches the vocabulary word.
preen
handy
crave
seek
affection
Put these on index cards and mix them up.
clean, useful, desired,
need, want, helpful,
usable, love
liking, fondness, tidy,
search, hunt for, groom
Day 4: Vocabulary Graphic Organizers: Work on this the
first time as a whole class. Have students turn and talk to help
come up with the answers. Name words that have the same
meaning as the word you have chosen. Write these words in the
ovals. Then have students think of examples of what the word is.
This can be drawn freehand on the board. Students can also
draw this in their spiral notebooks. 4 square would be another
great vocabulary organizer.
Word:
Examples
(blank graphic organizer follows day 5 activity)
Day 5: Vocabulary Check:
Activity Choices:
 Cloze
 Picture Assessment
 Action Assessment
 Graphic Organizer
WHAT IS IT?
preen
handy
crave
seek
affection
seek
to look for something
affection
showing you like
someone or something
handy
useful person
or item
crave
to want something
very badly
preen
to make yourself
look nice