Inspired by the PBS show, Word Girl, I've created a vocabulary activity where students teach vocabulary words to each other by creating a performing skits. So my pseudonym is “Vocab Gal” as opposed to “Word Girl,” but I’d like to think that I have an astounding vocabulary, even if I’m not from planet Lexicon.
However, you may be asking yourselves right now, “what is this crazy jingle?” The song is from a show on PBSkids that my son discovered a few months ago. The program is called Word Girl, and each 12 minute episode highlights the crime-fighting Word Girl taking down a villain while she, and those around her, repeatedly use two vocabulary words in their conversations. I love how every time each word is said, context clues are also used to reinforce meaning, and, at least once in every episode, Word Girl explains the word’s definition fully during her dialogue.
Because this show teaches vocabulary so well, I decided that my students should be teaching vocabulary to each other using our specific vocabulary words by creating and performing Word Girl skits themselves.
HOW IT WORKS
Show all or part of a 12 minute episode of Word Girl to introduce students to what they will be doing. If you want, their homework assignment could be to watch the episode so you do not have to take class time to do it. To watch a show, go to: http://pbskids.org/wordgirl/adventures/
Give students the assignment handout and rubric to review while watching the show and to understand their assignment.
Divide students up into small groups (I like small groups of 3-4 to ensure everyone plays an equal role- you may need to go bigger or smaller) and divide up your vocabulary list to assign each group two or more vocabulary words for their skit.
Have students write their “Word Girl” skits according to the directions on the assignment handout/rubric.
Allow students to practice their skits.
Have students perform their skits-perhaps one or two at the beginning of each class period for a week or two.
I’m looking forward to my own students’ skits as the hilarity of becoming vocabulary-wielding superheroes and nefarious villains appeals to kids of all ages. This fun vocabulary activity really works on creative writing skills as well as provides a vocabulary building opportunity!
Please note:
The PBS site for Word Girl also has numerous other vocabulary games and other resources for students and teachers. Check it out! If you want to see the words that are being highlighted in each Word Girl episode, you can find the listing here (although not all the shows listed are able to be seen on the website):click here! *You will want to pick a tab to look at a specific season’s listing of shows