Choose from the following vocabulary helpers to make sure

your child is prepared for our vocabulary test.   

These words are from our reading study of text organization

and features.  We will test on these on FRIDAY, November 20,

2009. The test will consist of matching the structure name to its

description and matching the structure name to its example

paragraph.

Text Organzation Flashcards

Example Paragraphs 1

Example Paragraphs 2

Each day (Monday - Thursday) a new word will be introduced to

students.  We will have a mini lesson on the word and how to use

it.  We will also practice using it in context.  At the end of the

week (Friday), we will will review the words for that week and

take a quick, nongraded quiz.  These are words that will show up

in future reading mixed practice tests.  These are separate

from our vocabulary words that will be tested and graded each

week.  Students will record our daily words in their planners so

you will know which words we are using for each week.  The list

of words for the year are available below.

Words of the Week List

The following is a list of spelling activities that students can complete to help them practice their spelling words at home.  

1.  Write your spelling words in alphabetical order.   

2.  Write each spelling word without its vowels.   

3.  Replace each vowel with a line.    

4.  Write your spelling words in crayon or pen. Write each consonant letter in red and each vowel in blue.  

5.  Write the words and cross out all of silent letters.  

6.  Print each word.  Next to it, write the word in cursive.

7.  Make a set of flashcards for studying your words.  

8.  Write each spelling word three times.   

9.  Write each spelling word in a rainbow of colors.  First, write the words with a red crayon. Trace over the words with a blue crayon. Finally, trace the words again with a green crayon.   

10.  Write your spelling words as fractions based on the number of vowels and consonants in each word. (Click here to see the Fraction Spelling lesson.)  

11. Write your words with all the letters scrambled up. Then ask a parent or sibling to unscramble the words in your notebook. Correct that person’s work.  

12. Write each spelling word.  Next to each word, write two additional words of at least three letters that can be spelled using the letters in the word.  Example: the word pickle can be used to make the words lick, pick, like, and lip.  

13. Use letter tiles to spell out this week’s words.  Glue them into your notebook. 

14. Write your spelling words in secret code. (Use the Secret Code Key)  Challenge a parent or sibling to use the code to decode each word. Correct their work.  Example: glad= 7-12-1-4  

15. Spelling Math: Which spelling word has the highest value? Which word has the lowest value? Do any words have an equal value?  (Use the secret code to find a numeric value for each letter.)  

16. Use each spelling word in a sentence. Correct spelling and grammar count!   

17. Take a practice test at home given by a parent.  Write any missed word 3 times each.   (Include a parent signature in your notebook.)   

18. Draw and color a picture. "Hide" the words in the picture. Please do not color over the words.  

19. Write your spelling words on cards (make two sets) and play "Memory Match" with them against a sibling or parent.  (Get a parent signature in your notebook.)  

20. Use a thesaurus to write a synonym for each word. 

21. Write a mnemonic sentence to help you remember each of your spelling words. Each letter of the word should start a word in the sentence. For example, a mnemonic sentence for the word throw might be Ted has rented one wheelbarrow. 

22. Make and complete a word search using www.puzzlemaker.com

23. Write a letter to a friend/relative, in proper letter format, using at least 10 of the spelling words. Underline each word.

24. Write tongue twisters for using at least 12 of your spelling words.  Example- spelling word: some- Sally saw some seals in the sea.

25. Write your words by arranging the letters in alphabet pasta or Alphabits.  Glue them on paper or have a parent include a note in your spelling notebook and do it on a table or counter at home.

26. Cut out letters from headlines or ads in newspapers or magazines. Use the letters to spell your spelling words. Paste the letters in your notebook.

27. Write a rap song using all of your spelling words.

28. Use ALL of your spelling words to write a short story. Your story must include all of your spelling words.

29. Use a dictionary to write a definition for each word.  (You can borrow a dictionary from school if you do not have one at home.)