Word Scroll
Mini-Lesson
I Do/You Watch
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Explain that a word scroll is a graphic organizer that asks student not simply to define a
word, but also to determine synonyms, antonyms, and examples of the word and then to
use the word in a sentence.
Explain that the students will be creating a word scroll for a key word from the text (This
work could be done in groups on chart paper or individually in the Reader’s Sourcebook.)
Model creating a word scroll using a word from the text (See attached graphic
organizer for format.)
o Using a copy of the word scroll graphic organizer that already has been created on
chart paper or a Smart Notebook file, explain the various parts of the word scroll
and what information they contain:
 The scroll in the center: the word and its definition (if a word has a
clear root, this could also be included)
 The “what it is” boxes to the left of the scroll: synonyms
 The “what it isn’t” ovals to the right of the scroll: antonyms
 The example boxes: examples of people, places, things, or situations that
embody the word
 The non-example ovals: examples of people, places, things, or situations
that embody the antonyms
 The lines at the bottom: an original sentence that uses the word in context
correctly
o Write the chosen word and its definition in the center of the scroll.
o Think aloud that the first thing you need to come up with is a synonym of this
word, or a word that means almost the same thing. Write it in one of the boxes to
the left of the scroll.
o Think aloud that the next thing you need to come up with is an antonym of this
word, or a word that has the opposite meaning. Write it in an oval to the right of
the scroll.
o Think aloud one example of the word and one non-example of the word.
I Do/You Help
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Elicit from the students another synonym, antonym, example, and non-example. Be sure
to ask the students to justify their responses.
Elicit from the students a sentence that uses the word correctly to demonstrate that they
know how to use the word in context.
Work Time
You Do/ I Help
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Individually or in groups, students will create a word scroll for a key word found in or
relevant to the text.
Closing
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If the work was done in groups on chart paper, representatives of each group should share
their word scrolls with the whole class.
If the work was done individually, the students can share their word scrolls with the other
members of their groups/other students at their tables.
Share out: How can completing a word scroll help you remember the meaning of a new
word?