Word Wizard

Little House in the Big Woods

Section 5 p. 101-116

Calico

Page 102 Paragraph 3

But they knew that in a town there were many houses, and a store full of candy and calico and other wonderful things- powder, and shot, and salt, and store sugar.

Definition of calico- printed cotton fabric

This word adds meaning to the story because it provides another example of such goods in the store. It is another picture that comes into the readers mind when reading this sentence along with all the other wonderful items pictured inside this store.

Vocabulary Activity:

Word Networks:

What words, people, or situations come to mind when you think about the word calico?

A: bagpipes, Irish dancers, plaid pants and sweaters, checkers

Dimly

Page 110 Paragraph 5

It was still black as pitch where the woods were thick, but in the open places I could see, dimly.

Definition of dimly- not bright or distinct, not seeing clearly

This word adds meaning to the story because it provides a vivid picture of the dark woods and how Pa could barely see the objects in the woods. It almost makes the reader feel like they are in a dim room reading this book.

Vocabulary Activity:

Forms of a Word:

Noun- Dimness Adverb- Dimly Adjective- Dimmest, Dimmer

Synonym- Vaguely Word- Dim Antonym- Clearly

Troughs

Page 122 Paragraph 2

“Grandpa has been making wooden buckets and little troughs.”

Definition of troughs- a long shallow open boxlike container especially made for water or feeding livestock

This word adds meaning to the story because it helps the reader visualize the kinds of things Grandpa has been making all winter. It also helps to understand what they are used for and how they are made.

Vocabulary Activity:

Have you ever?

Have you ever used a trough for anything before?

A: No, but I have seen horses and other animals eat out of troughs at the zoo and on farms. My mom made a trough for the little birdies to eat from on our porch too.