Category: Vocabulary

Comprehension, Conflict in Reading, Elements of Plot, Professional Development, Vocabulary

Identifying Character Traits by Grade Level (A K–8 Progressive List for Teachers and Homeschooling Parents)

Lisa

If you’ve ever watched a student stare blankly at the question “What kind of person is the main character?” and respond with “nice” or “mean”—no matter how old they are—you’re not alone. Identifying character traits by grade level is one of those skills that can stall out early if we aren’t intentional about building vocabulary alongside it.

That’s actually one of the most common challenges I see, especially around 5th grade. Students who are perfectly capable readers often reach for the same handful of basic words—kind, mean, happy, sad—even when the story clearly calls for something more nuanced. It’s not that they don’t understand the character. They just don’t have the vocabulary to describe what they’re seeing. And without the right words, deeper analysis stalls before it even starts.

This post is designed to fix that. Below, you’ll find a grade-by-grade progression of character trait vocabulary from kindergarten through 8th grade, along with simple teaching strategies to help students not just memorize words, but actually use them when reading, writing, and discussing literature.

Continue reading “Identifying Character Traits by Grade Level (A K–8 Progressive List for Teachers and Homeschooling Parents)” →
Vocabulary, Greek & Latin Roots

The Ultimate Greek and Latin Roots Word List

Lisa

I pulled together this word list from a variety of resources that I use regularly. Unfortunately no one resource has all of the Greek and Latin Roots listed in an easy to use, teacher-friendly format. I am often asked by my students if one word is related to a specific Greek or Latin root. Sometimes it is hard to tell if a word has a spelling variant or if the word has a different root.

Hopefully you will find this Greek and Latin Roots Word List helpful! This list was gathered to share with my fifth grade students. While this list is pretty thorough, some of the Greek and Latin roots below have more technical words associated, but I left them off the list as they would not have be meaningful or useful for a 10 year old student.

Continue reading “The Ultimate Greek and Latin Roots Word List” →
Vocabulary, Comprehension, Figurative Language

Teaching Poetic Sound Devices Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Lisa

Poetic sound devices are a specific type of literary device. There are many literary devices used in poetry- rhyme, repetition, onomatopoeia, alliteration, assonance, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, and symbolism to name some of the more common ones. Literary devices, in either prose or poetry, are used intentionally to enhance the meaning of any piece of literature.

Depth is added to a poem when poetic sound devices are used. Poetic sound devices are the purposeful usage of words, phrases and sounds to increase and enhance the meaning and enjoyment of a poem.

Continue reading “Teaching Poetic Sound Devices Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL)” →
Vocabulary, Figurative Language

The Importance of Teaching Idioms Throughout the Year

Lisa

An idiom is a saying that its literal meaning is different from its figurative meaning. Teaching idioms can be tricky because native English speakers will typically use idioms spontaneously while speaking and in their writing. Idioms are difficult to learn unless someone directly teaches the actual meaning of the idiom to the learner/listener.

Teaching idioms are a challenge to learn because their meanings are unpredictable.

Continue reading “The Importance of Teaching Idioms Throughout the Year” →
Back To School, Greek & Latin Roots, Vocabulary

Teaching Syllables in a Fun and Interesting Way in the Classroom

Lisa

Teaching syllables can be fun and engaging with your upper elementary aged students.

One of the fastest ways to get a student’s eyes to glaze over and lose focus is to bring up syllables. My eyes started to glaze over as I typed that word . . . syllables. Ugh. Closed syllables. Digraphs. R-Controlled vowels. There are some serious vocabulary words to include in an uninteresting and overwhelming topic. Unfortunately it is important to know and understand syllables as they are the foundation of any good reading teacher’s repertoire.

Teaching syllables does not have to be a snooze fest. Use these resources to liven up your syllable instruction!

Continue reading “Teaching Syllables in a Fun and Interesting Way in the Classroom” →
Back To School, Elements of Plot, Informational Text, Vocabulary

Beginning Basics of Interactive Notebooks to Teach Reading

Lisa

What is an Interactive Notebook?

Interactive notebooks are a tool to get important information on the page using more of the student’s senses and more of their brain. They typically consist of a spiral or composition notebook in which information is added in a variety of ways. This can include guided notes, timelines, vocabulary flaps and other foldables.

Continue reading “Beginning Basics of Interactive Notebooks to Teach Reading” →
Back To School, Fluency, Greek & Latin Roots, Vocabulary

Making Words Hands on Phonics Word Work in the Classroom

Lisa

Making words is an engaging, word building literacy activity that you can use during word work. It also makes for an engaging literacy center. This can help all levels of students grow and improve their phonics and decoding skills, increase phonemic awareness, spelling abilities and active listening skills.

Continue reading “Making Words Hands on Phonics Word Work in the Classroom” →