I propose we keep great words at the front of our students' brains (and tongues) during summer break by participating in this fun and easy activity! This activity is great for summer courses or for students to do at home as a way to prevent the vocabulary "Summer Slide".
HOW IT WORKS
1. Play or encourage students to listen to the Bare Naked Ladies "A Word for That" song at home. Instruct them to reflect on the frustration everyone feels when they cannot recall the right word to use.
2. Have students fill out the left side of their “Word for That” chart with words they routinely use-at school, at home, at practice, with friends, in their writing, etc. This list should be about 15 words long 3-4 words in 4-5 different categories.
3. Once students have filled out the left side of the chart, have them find a vocabulary word that expresses the same idea, but with more precision or pizzazz.
4. Once students fill out their charts, encourage them to review the worksheet once a day for a week or so, marking every time they use one of their new synonyms in place of an old word.
The more students actually take ownership of their vocabulary and see how it can benefit them in everyday life, the more their words will sink in. Good luck-may you deploy your words well and not be too loquacious in the process!
The There's a Word for That activity template includes a teacher guide, detailed example chart, and a printable worksheet for students.