Vocabulary Journal Instructions and Examples The Vocabulary Journal

Vocabulary Journal Instructions and Examples

The Vocabulary Journal Entry �The vocabulary journal is a way to develop your vocabulary skills through the context of your reading. It is more meaningful than memorizing a list of random words because it is individualized and relevant. In other words, each student is focusing on words that are unfamiliar to them, and they are able to analyze how the words are used in the text. �CCSS 4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text.

Set-Up �The vocabulary journal is divided into 5 columns: Word Page # Paragrap h Student. Created Definitio n Dictionary Definition madras 5 3 This word is used to describe someone’ s shirt, so I think it means a type of pattern or design. A cotton cloth of fine texture, usually with a plaid, striped, or checked pattern. You need to do this for 10

� Word: � As you read, look for words that are unfamiliar to you, or words that you may have heard before, but you are unsure of their meaning. Write these in the word column. � Student-Created Definition: � Using your context clues, your knowledge of roots and affixes, and considering sound-alike words, take an educated guess as to what you think the word might mean. You don’t have to be right; you just have to try. This is part of learning. � Dictionary Definition: � You do not have to write the definition word-for-word, you may paraphrase. The important thing is that the meaning makes sense to you. � If you are totally clueless about the meaning of the word, and it is difficult to understand the text, you should look up the word right away. If you think that your student-created definition is pretty close, and you still understand the sentence, you should wait to look the word up until you are finished reading. � Most words have multiple meanings. You must select the meaning of the word based on how it is used in the context of your reading.