Summary

WordGirl can always identify the right word when she needs to, either by knowing its definition or by figuring it out in context. In this lesson, students will be encouraged to review new vocabulary through playing a variation on "Bingo."

 

Learning Goals

• Students will be introduced to new vocabulary.
• Students will review vocabulary through identification.
• Students will practice auditory skills.

 

Materials

• Blank bingo cards – 5x5 grid (25 word spaces in total)
• Stickers, paper-clips or pieces of colored construction paper to cover the words
• Handout of vocabulary words and sentence examples

 

Procedures

1. PREPARATION: Before the lesson, create a handout of vocabulary words. Include a short sentence next to each word that shows its meaning in context.
   Suggested Vocabulary and Sentences for Bingo:
   
   • Distract
   • Riddle – I figured out the riddle from the clues. We needed more clues to help solve the riddle.
   • Simile – She was smart as a whip. Her vocabulary was big like the sky.
   • Alliteration – Tobey tried to tear apart the town with his truck.
   • Ruckus – The kids made a real ruckus and woke up their neighbors.
   • Persona – I wrote a story in the persona of WordGirl.
   • Identity – No one could guess WordGirl’s true identity.
   • Character – I wish the character “Violet” had a bigger part.
   • Setting – The setting of the story is where it takes place.
   • Plot – The plot in WordGirl is full of surprising problems.
   • Heroine – WordGirl is my favorite heroine.
   • Villain – Granny Mae pretends to be sweet so she doesn’t seem like a villain.
   • Caption – The caption under that photograph explained in a sentence what was in the picture.
   • Synonym – “Shy” is a synonym for “timid.”
   • Antonym – “Clumsy” is an antonym for “coordinated.”
   • Mischievous – Tobey is always in trouble; he is a very mischievous boy!
   • Scowl – The scowl on his face expresses his anger.
   • Capture – Chuck, the evil sandwich making guy, captures WordGirl and Scoop.
   • Demolish – Professor Two-Brains wants to demolish the city.
   • Struggle – WordGirl wins in her struggle against evil forces.
   • Transform – WordGirl transforms herself back into Becky Botsford.
   • Absurd – It’s absurd that Captain Huggy Face has to take the bus.
   • Ignore – WordGirl tries to ignore her brother, TJ.
   • Offend – The Butcher offends WordGirl with his behavior.
   • Cumbersome – That meteorite is too cumbersome even for WordGirl.
   • Pantomime – Instead of using words, I pantomimed the message to my friend.
2. Explain to students that the class is going to play a variation on the game,"Bingo," using new vocabulary words. You will call out a definition and the students will need to identify the word that matches the definition. In order to win the game, a student must cover five consecutive words, either vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Draw these three possibilities on the board for the students to see.
3. Distribute blank bingo cards and the vocabulary handout to students. As you read each word out loud, ask students to copy it somewhere on their bingo cards, until every square is filled.
4. Now go back and look at the brief sentences which appear next to each of the vocabulary words. After reading one out loud, invite students to offer the word’s meaning. If the students cannot figure out what the word means, offer other contextual clues. Review the entire list of words.
5. Continue the game until all of the words have been used.
6. ASSESSMENT: Students should become familiar with new vocabulary. Students should practice new vocabulary through listening and matching definitions with words.

 

Extensions

1. Invite students to create their own sentences from the words on the Bingo vocabulary list. Challenge students to use two of the words in a sentence. Then try for three words in the same sentence!
2. WordGirl clearly loves words for their own sake. Encourage that same love in your students by asking them to discuss which is their favorite word on the Bingo Vocabulary list, and why. Follow that discussion up by asking students to interview their family members about their favorite words and their reasons. Share the results with the class!
3. WordGirl tells The Butcher that he is “butchering” the language. In this activity, invite students to “role-play” The Butcher by writing made-up words and malapropisms, along with real words, on flashcards and trying to outwit a partner in a guessing contest.

 

Related National Standards

Language Arts standards as established by McREL at: http://www.mcrel.org/standards-benchmarks/