VOCAB STRATEGIES
FACT: For every 100
words you study and
remember, you will
increase your reading
score by 15 points!
Learning new vocabulary words can be difficult, but there are
ways to make it easier… and make them stick! We will be using
one or two strategies with each unit in class to help begin the
process of mastering new vocabulary words. Here are some
useful strategies in no specific order.
1. READ! READ! READ! Most vocabulary words are learned from context. The
more words you're exposed to, the better vocabulary you will have. It sounds simple, but
it’s the truth! And, the kicker is, it doesn’t matter what you read, just that you read!
2. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT! It takes 10-20 accurate repetitions to make a
word a part of your vocabulary. You need to say it, write it, and use it to truly comprehend
and understand a new word. For example, some different ways to practice include: lists,
flashcards, word walls, word maps (classification/qualities/examples), writing stories,
using words in direct conversation, etc.
*Still overwhelmed? Break it down and only practice with a few at a time.
For example, we have over 10 days between vocab tests. Try taking twothree new words a day. Just don’t forget to review the old words as you go.
3. Use Context Clues. Context clues are hints provided in the context of the
reading that help a reader figure out what an unfamiliar word means. See separate
handout for specifics.
4. Use word associations. Saying each
word aloud and relating it to words you know is a
great way to have a word make an impression.
You can do this by making lists or gathering
pictures of stuff that relate. You can be more
advanced by creating open and closed categories
for your word lists.
5. Make mnemonic devices. Mnemonic
devices are little phrases or rhymes that serve as a
memory tool. For example, a popular math
mnemonic device that helps people remember the
order of operations is the phrase “Please excuse
my dear aunt Sally.”
6. Have fun!  Playing games like Scrabble or Boggle is fun and can help you learn.
Even things like word searches and crossword puzzles count.
Categorize –
a. Closed: give categories and have
students organize words in them
b. Open: let the kids make categories that
fit the words
UNITS:
1) Flashcards & Word Maps Associations
Synonyms/Antonyms …. Pick 3 a day
a. Circle the word that doesn’t belong
2) Word Walls (associations/categories, pics,
mnemonic devices)
3) Context Clues – sentences
a. Give word…. Write definition & at least
3 more synonyms
b. (Repo Games)
4) Context Clues –
a. stories
b. (Read Jabberwocky)
5) Have fun  Crossword, Word Searches, Boggle, Scrabble
REPO GAMES:
- play Repo Games with candy! 8 pieces for groups of 4. Give one back every time
you get one wrong.
- http://edhelper.com/language/Context_Clues.htm
EXAMPLES
EXPLANATIONS
SYNONYM
ANTONYM
COMPARE
CONTRAST
VOCAB EXTRA WORK
UNITS 1-4
OVERALL:
UNIT 1: Word Maps (flashcards) … practice 3 a day
APPL – circle word that doesn’t belong for associations
UNIT 2: Context Clues Sentences
UNIT 3: Context Clues Stories/Paragraphs
UNIT 4: Word Wall, Mnemonic Devices, Categories
UNIT 1
Flashcards & Word Maps Associations Synonyms/Antonyms …. Pick 3 a day
1) Flashcard Word Map (word/part of speech, definition, synonym, ,
picture with a sentence)
2) Discuss antonyms: Circle the word that doesn’t belong & write synonym
Circle the word that does not belong. Then, write one more synonym/word that does belong.
1.
flush
rush
stream
hesitate
2.
messy
pleasant
neat
comfortable
3.
knowledge
learning
wisdom
incomprehension
4.
wisdom
illiterateness
ignorance
folly
5.
careless
thoughtless
negligent
considerate
6.
usual
home
weird
domestic
7.
despondency
disbelief
distrust
anticipate
8.
Intolerant
Impulsive
Hasty
understanding
9.
plod
lumber
shuffle
cruise
10.
disorder
order
clutter
mess
11.
ruin
spoil
restore
wreck
12.
invoke
depress
sink
hoist
13.
decent
mischievous
naughty
unruly
14.
regular
sporadic
variable
formal
15.
grand
stately
little
majestic
SYNONYM/ANTONYM PRACTICE
- help (v)
- aid, abet, assist, contribute, lend a hand, bail out, promote, push, guide,
intercede
simple (adj) – child’s play, cinch, piece of cake, no problem, no sweat, picnic
- labor (v)
- work, chore, daily grind, employment, exercise, sweat
- fired (v)
- laid off, canned,
- strong (adj) - athletic, jacked, muscular, mighty, strapping, hardy, stalwart, well-built,
tough
-wacky
- (ad) - absurd, crazy, demented, erratic, foolish, silly, unpredictable, wild,
loony, mad, nuts, zany
*add a negative prefix (-un, im, in, il, ir, dis, non, anti) in a sentence
- a little (adj)
- a lot, a ton,
- abbreviate (v)
- amplify, enlarge, expand, extend, increase, lengthen
- achiever (n)– loser, failure, unsuccessful person, slacker
- cage (v)
- free, let go, release,
- camouflage (v)
- reveal, show, uncover, stand out
- cancel (v)
- allow, approve, arrange, establish, permit, publish
- fair (adj)
- biased, partial, prejudice, unfair, unjust, unreasonable
- friend (n)
- enemy, foe,
- odd (adj)
- common, conventional, habitual, normal, ordinary, regular,
standard, usual
- thin (adj)
- obese, fat
- wake up (v)
- sleep, take a snooze, catch some Zs
UNIT 2 ---- I have unit 1 & 2 words with context clues
* Flashcards on your own…. DO “list reveal”
* Context Clues – sentences
6) Types of context clues & practice identifying; Write definition & at least 3
more synonyms
7) Practice Writing sentences (use Slang cards)
8) Repo Games – 8 pieces of candy…. Lose one every time
EXPAMPLES
1. Projectiles include those items that are shot forward such as a cannon shell, bullet, or rocket.
Using the example clue, the word projectiles in this sentence means
things put down
things hurt
things shot forward
things broken
.
EXPLANATION
4. Matt has such a kind disposition that he always helps people.
In this sentence, the word disposition means
doctor
attitude or way
enemy
show-off
3. We could tell by the rotten smell, that something putrid was in our trash can.
Using the explanation clue, the word putrid in this sentence means
ample
rotten
alive
appealing
4. Phyllis felt elated when she won the race.
Using the explanation clue, the word elated in this sentence means
sick
tired
miserable
happy
SYNONYMS
8. The lady sat primly straight in the chair.
In this sentence, the word primly means
proper or tall
slouched
up
down
9.
1. The book of logic contained many conundrums - mind-exercising puzzles.
Using the synonym clue, the word conundrums in this sentence means
pictures
answers
stories
puzzles
3.
5. There was crazy pandemonium as people were trying to leave the rock concert.
Using the synonym clue, the word pandemonium in this sentence means
silence
order
craziness or chaos
peace
6.
ANTONYMS
3. The cat scuttled quickly around the room without lying down at all.
In this sentence, the word scuttled means
ran
walked
sneaked
crawled
6. I meandered through the woods and did not win the race.
In this sentence, the word meandered means
jogged
ran
hurried
wandered
COMPARISON
My dog was devoted, as if he were my best friend.
4. Tina used a parasol, which is like an umbrella, to block the sun.
In this sentence, the word parasol means
umbrella to block the sun
beach towel
sunscreen
raincoat
5. The buoyant raft floated on the water like a feather.
In this sentence, the word buoyant means
floatable
heavy
hard
2.
3. Some people feel perplexed by brain teasers, while others figure them out quickly.
Using the comparison clue, the word perplexed in this sentence means
troubled or confused
calm
at ease
relaxed
5. Instead of climbing into bed, she decided to take a nap on the chaise.
Using the comparison clue, the word chaise in this sentence means
sleeping bag
chair
bed-like furniture
floor
CONTRAST
10. You may prosper if you are good with your money, but you may be poor if you spend too much.
In this sentence, the word prosper means
poor
gain wealth
die
lose
5. After being ill and unable to eat for three days, Beverly had a voracious appetite.
Using the contrast clue, the word voracious in this sentence means
6.
satisfied
small
quenched
big
MIXED:
Context Clues
1. An edifice, such as the Empire State Building, can
take years to build.
Using the example clue, the word edifice in this
sentence means
2. The servant burnished the silver vase, rubbing hard
to bring back the shine.
Using the explanation clue, the word burnished in
this sentence means
coal mine
polished
concrete wall
pounded
steel
muted
large building
clouded
3. The bank robber kept a hostage captive for twentyfour hours until he decided to emancipate him.
Using the contrast clue, the word emancipate in this
sentence means
4. A melancholy sadness fell over the crowd after
hearing the shocking news.
Using the synonym clue, the word melancholy in
this sentence means
captive
quiet
hold
depressed or sad
free
calm
keep
good
5. After being ill and unable to eat for three days,
Beverly had a voracious appetite.
Using the contrast clue, the word voracious in this
sentence means
small
quenched
big
satisfied
7. The girls languidly put on their jackets as if they had
no energy at all.
Using the comparison clue, the word languidly in
this sentence means
energetically
energy-less
quickly
actively
6. Candles, flashlights, and lamps illuminate the room.
Using the example clue, the word illuminate in this
sentence means
lower
light up
darken
weaken
UNIT 3
Flashcards on your own
Context Clues – stories
a. Read Jabberwocky or Reading Apprentice excerpt
b. Fill in story with own words…. Then match to vocab words
c. Write own story with vocab words
2. Whenever we have a party, Ashley is the first person on the list. Her vivacious personality is contagious. She is
so full of life; a party is always a success with her in attendance.
vivacious means:
Clues:
3. The fact that we had a campfire here last night was quite palpable. You could still see the ashes and smell the
remnants of the fire. All that was missing was the heat and the sound.
palpable means:
Clues:
UNIT 4
Word Walls (associations/categories, pics, mnemonic devices)
1) Flashcards with mnemonic devices & pics (SAT)
2) Associations/Categories
Categorize –
c. Closed: give categories and have students organize words in them
d. Open: let the kids make categories that fit the words
UNIT 5
- Have fun  Crossword, Word Searches, Boggle, Scrabble
CREATIVE WRITING
Write as many words as you can to complete the sentence.
1. Sally, Ray, and I played ____ until bedtime. I won two times.
2. The ____ apple is nice to touch. It's yummy, too!
3. The bird ____ through the sky with little effort. It was beautiful to watch it fly among the clouds.
4. The crowd was ____ when the elephant at the zoo sprayed them with water. They were soaked from head to
toe.