Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to extend your Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary through interacting, wide reading and writing, morphological analysis, and generating precise definitions for specific contexts.

Materials and Prep

• Pen or pencil
• Blank paper or notebook
• Access to a variety of books or online reading resources

Activities

1. Word Scavenger Hunt:

   Choose five unfamiliar words from a book you are currently reading. Write each word on a separate piece of paper. Search for the definitions of these words in a dictionary or online. Write down the definitions in your notebook. Then, create your own sentences using each word to show you understand their meanings.

2. Word Association Game:

   Think of a Tier 2 or Tier 3 vocabulary word. Write it down on a piece of paper and fold it. Pass the folded paper to a family member or friend. Have them write down a word that they associate with the word you wrote. Keep passing the papers until you have a chain of associated words. Unfold the papers and discuss the connections between the words.

3. Create a Vocabulary Journal:

   Designate a section in your notebook as your vocabulary journal. Whenever you come across interesting or unfamiliar words during your reading, write them down in your journal. Include the word, its definition, and a sentence using the word in context. Review your vocabulary journal regularly to reinforce your understanding of the words.

Talking Points

• Why is it important to expand our vocabulary?

  "Having a wide range of words helps us express ourselves better and understand others more easily. It makes our speaking and writing more interesting and engaging."

• What are Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary words?

  "Tier 2 words are high-frequency words that appear across different subjects and are important for understanding academic texts. Tier 3 words are subject-specific or domain-specific words that are less commonly used but are crucial for understanding specific topics or subjects."

• How can we find the definitions of unfamiliar words?

  "We can use a dictionary, either a physical one or an online dictionary. We can also search for definitions online or ask someone who might know the meaning."

• What is morphological analysis?

  "Morphological analysis is the process of breaking down a word into its smaller parts, such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words, to understand its meaning. By analyzing these parts, we can often figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words."

• Why is generating precise definitions important for specific contexts?

  "Different words can have different meanings depending on the context in which they are used. To fully understand a word, we need to be able to define it accurately in the specific context in which it is being used."