Example of Word Wizard

 

1.  Page 12 Paragraph 2

Terrified  "Before them raced a cloud of terrified insects they feed upon."

Definition to be very scared

This word adds meaning to the story by showing how the character is feeling at the time.  In this case the character would be the ants because they are about to be eaten.

Vocabulary Activity

 Making Choices

·        If any of the things I say might be examples of a time when you would feel terrified say TERRIFIED.  If not, don’t say anything.

1.      Sitting at your desk about to take a spelling test

2.      Walking into the dentist office to get a tooth pulled

3.   Going on a picnic with a couple of friends

 

2.  Page 22 Paragraph 2

Wealthy  " If Dr. Rivero could find a nameless butterfly, a wealthy industrialist would buy the Tropical Rain Forest of the Macaw, name the butterfly for his daughter, and save the forest from the bulldozers and chain sawyers.

Definition  To have a lot of money

This word adds meaning to the story by allowing the reader to understand how much it will take to save the rain forest from destruction.  Tepui and Dr. Rivero can not do the job themselves.

Vocabulary Activity

Applause!  Applause!

·        Clap to show much (not at all, a little bit, a lot) you would like to be described by the word wealthy.

 

3.  Page  29 Paragraph 3

Depression  " With her stubby tail she slowly dug a shallow depression."

Definition A hole in the ground

This word adds meaning to the story by describing the setting to the reader.  While reading about the sloth you can almost imagine her digging the shallow hole with her tail.

Vocabulary Activity

·        Create multiple-choice items that require students to think about the choices.

 Choose the correct meaning for each word.

   depression

a.  hill or mountain    b. a  hole  in the ground    c.  a cut  

 

 

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