What is a Word Web? and Why it’s a Brilliant Way to Teach Vocabulary
Ditch the “Assign, Define & Test” way of teaching vocabulary and use word webs/word maps to provide students opportunities to use new vocabulary words in conversation.
What is Think Pair Share? and Why it Helps Build Students’ Vocabulary
Think Pair Share is the secret to making vocabulary words stick. Use this simple collaboration protocol just once a week in your classroom and watch the magic happen!
School Visit Finds: Part 1
My favorite part of being an Instructional Coach is that I get to visit all different types of schools and meet hundreds of educators along the way. Follow along on my school visit journeys and find inspiration for your classroom!
8 Great Summer Reads
No matter what plans you have this summer, you NEED to spend some time relaxing and recharging after the insane school year that you just survived. Check out these 8 books I recommend you read this summer!
Digital and Interactive Vocabulary Notebooks
Using a digital vocabulary notebook is an easy way to help students stay organized and gives them a place to keep a running record of words you learn together. Learn about the why and how of digital vocabulary notebooks, plus download 5 FREE notebook templates to use in your classroom!
Digital Tools That Boost Student Collaboration and Creativity
Feeling connected with students during remote learning is one of the hardest hurdles to overcome. Use these digital tools to boost collaboration, spice up your online lessons and spark some creativity along the way!
Free Ways to Build and Assess Vocabulary During Remote Learning
Navigating all of the digital tools available online for students can be overwhelming and time consuming. I’ve teamed up with another literacy educator to feature great FREE platforms for word learning, vocabulary practice and formative assessment.
Celebrating Women in Government Through Picture Books
Meet 5 laudable ladies in government and focus on character trait vocabulary themed around the qualities of a strong leader. Let’s be honest, GIRLS run the world and it’s time to celebrate that!
Quick, Easy and Fun Alliteration Activity
Blending a love of words with a delicious ice cream cone makes this alliteration activity instantly have everyone smiling and wordsmith-ing away. Free downloadable resource available which includes: classroom poster, copy of poem, brainstorming template and an incredible ice cream final draft sheet!
Say Hello to the Virtual Word Web
Research shows that vocabulary words are more likely to stick when students can relate the word to a visual representation. This could be a picture, drawing or symbol. Learn how to use different digital tools to make virtual word webs for all!
Easy Character Trait Vocabulary Activities
Focusing on character trait vocabulary in elementary school is essential. Learn some easy activities you can implement for low investment and high return. Plus, get some great ideas for what character trait words match with the books you already have in your classroom library.
Picture Books that Promote Optimism
It is important to always believe in yourself and stay optimistic when something doesn’t come as easily for you as it does for someone else. Use these great picture books to promote optimism in your classroom.
Best Vocabulary Themed Board Games for Your Classroom
A great way to instantly engage students in word learning is by incorporating vocabulary themed board games into your literacy stations. See my 6 favorite word learning games here!
The Whimsical Word Collector
In the Word Collector by Peter Reynolds, Jerome has a wonderful imagination. Use his love of words in your interactive read aloud to promote word learning in your classroom with these easy to use activities!
Growth Mindset Vocabulary
To kick off vocabulary learning each school year, the first 5 words I teach and add to our word wall are themed around growth mindset. Find out my inspiration for these words, see recommended read alouds and download a free printable poster!
Making Our Word Wall Come Alive
Celebrate a year of word learning by supporting students to create stop motion animation videos themed around your classroom word wall words. You only need clay, an iPad and your imagination!
Character Trait Words of the Week
Meaningful vocabulary will help to strengthen your students’ reading comprehension, writing skills and conversations. Introduce three Tier II vocabulary words with there interactive read alouds and printable resources for your elementary classroom.
Interactive Vocabulary Notebooks
Using interactive vocabulary notebooks with students is a great way to keep word learning organized, consistent and engaging! Start with Tier II vocabulary words and then consider incorporating content specific words as well.
Word Conscious Economists
As elementary school teachers every minute of the school day is precious. We have so many standards to meet from September to June. Any chance we get it’s important to combine literacy learning into the content areas of social studies and science. My favorite way to do this is through my interactive read aloud time.Continue reading “Word Conscious Economists”
Teaching Election Buzz Words
I am a big supporter of the magazine Time for Kids. They have sophisticated, kid friendly, current events articles at a variety of reading levels. For the last election, I used TFK to introduce election specific vocabulary!
Know They are Always Listening
As teachers we spend hours each week attempting to plan engaging lessons that every child in our class will learn something from. We try our best to reach the minds of students achieving on all levels of the spectrum. Of course, we want to believe that every student is listening to every minute of whatContinue reading “Know They are Always Listening”
Intermediate Word Walls
Word walls aren’t just for littles! There are many ways you can incorporate a word wall into your upper elementary or middle school classroom! Learn about the different types of word walls and easy ways to make word learning the theme of your classroom.
Welcome to Vocabulicious!
This is a blog by teachers for teachers. Posts will be focused around creating a Word Conscious environment in classrooms all over the country. Teachers K-12 will be able to learn, connect and share new ideas relating to vocabulary lessons and activities.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Liz! Previously a 4th & 5th grade teacher, I became an Ed Tech Instructional Success Coach 4 years ago. When I’m not supporting teachers you can find me reading, hiking or riding my Peloton!
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