When there is a large "V" shining in the sky, I know that it is time for me, Vocab Gal, to take to my computer and write an inspiring vocabulary blog post.

Although many of my friends like to tease me about my alter ego, I love being Vocab Gal, and some days I feel like a caped crusader for just the right word (and justice). So if I like playing my part this much, I think your students will love becoming word superheroes as well.

As you start the new school year, make vocabulary an exciting adventure for students by launching the Word Superheroes Challenge in your classroom.

Getting Started in 1...2...3...

1. Download the Word Superheroes Challenge resources.Hang the Word Superheroes Banner somewhere in your classroom. A bulletin board or classroom door will work.

2. Print off Superhero Emblems and Vocabulary Word Tracker Handouts for each student.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's… Word Superheroes!

How you present the Word Superheroes Challenge to students is up to you, but a cape, a superhero emblem, and heroic music are encouraged! Explain to students that one of the challenges they will undertake during the semester is to transform themselves into caped crusaders for vocabulary words.

To complete their transformation, students must use or find 25 vocabulary words outside of class. Each vocabulary word they use/find must be recorded on their Vocabulary Word Tracker Handout. When a student reaches that number, they receive a superhero emblem to emblazon on their backpack, desk, or shirt. They will also have their picture added to the official Word Superheroes classroom bulletin board.

Extension Activity

Have each student in your class think about what superhero s/he would like to be. Have them write a description of their superhero, making sure to use at least five (or more) vocabulary words in their description, as well as give themselves a name that includes a vocabulary word.

Example: I love hot, crispy French fries so much that I have become the Crunch Crusader. If soggy, limp fries are served to anyone, anywhere in the world, I waddle in and expunge such abominations and replace the venal and crooked cooks with benevolent culinary geniuses! However, having to taste fries to ensure their worthiness will make me quite voluminous in size, thus I will be known as the Corpulent Crunch Crusader!

I hope your students have as much fun being Word Superheroes as mine do. Get the new school year started by going up, up, and away with vocabulary!

Common Core Standards:

Reading Literature/Informational Text Standard 4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text

Writing Standard 10. Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Speaking & Listening Standard 2 . Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats

Speaking & Listening Standard 6 . Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks

Language Standard 4 . Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words

Language Standard 6 . Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge