Word Wizard

1.       Write down the word ________, the page ____, and paragraph number _________.

2.       Copy the sentence from the book in which the   word appears.

3.       Re-read the sentence in which the word appears.  Think about the word, the sentence, and the story.  Look up the word in the dictionary.  Using the dictionary definition and everything you know about the word, write your definition of the word ____________________________________.

4.       Write down an explanation telling how this word adds meaning to the story.  What does this word have to do with the story? Think about the characters, plot, setting, theme, etc.

5.       Make your word wizard card.  Be sure to include in LARGE PRINT your word and the page and paragraph number.   On the other side of the card you should draw a picture to represent your word, the word, and the definition of the word.

6.  Complete a set of daily vocabulary activities that go with your word(s).

How to Discuss “Word Wizard”

1. The first thing you will do is place your word wizard card word side up so that all students can see the word and the page and paragraph number where the word is located.

2. After they have seen the word, have all of the students turn in their books to the passage where the word is located, and have a student read the paragraph and if needed, the sentences before and after. Make sure all students are following along because you really want them to pay attention to the context clues that the passage provides.

3. Next have the students guess what they think the word means. Make sure they explain their guesses.

4. If they guess the correct definition that is great! If no one guesses the correct definition, then someone that you choose can look up the word. Remember, if someone guesses close, than that’s it! Yeah! Share with them your definition.

5. Now the group should have a definition for the word.

6. After they have read the passage, ask if anyone can guess the part of speech for the word that is used in the sentence. Discuss this and have them explain their answers. If they cannot guess it, tell them.

7.  You can now flip over your word wizard card and reveal your illustration.

8. Next have everyone, including you, come up with a meaningful sentence using the word wizard word. The best sentences are ones that relate an understanding of the definition and explain an understanding of the word. If students use "4 or More" in their sentences (Answer 4 or more of the following in their sentence: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How), then they will probably come up with meaningful sentences. Be sure that all of the sentences make sense and that they use the word correctly.

9. Now you help everyone connect this word to the story. Ask the students in your group to think about how the word adds meaning to the story. Think about how the word connects to the characters, setting, plot, theme, etc. Call on group member(s) to share thoughts on this.

10.     Complete daily vocabulary activities with your group members.

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