This vocabulary lesson is not meant to be a one-day lesson. The lesson is designed for use during the entire novel. I have found that if students have prolonged lessons with interaction of the material they typically retain the information better. The objective of the lesson is that students will learn a variety of vocabulary words that they did not previously know through exploration. Each student will have their own, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry notebook.
As the students read the book they will keep a record of vocabulary words that they do not know. They will write the vocabulary word and what they think it means based on the “context clues” of the sentence. The students will have prior knowledge of context clues. After reading the assigned chapter the students will sit with their predetermined discussion groups to discuss the vocabulary. Each student will share their group of words they are uncertain about and the group will discuss and come up with a definition.
After the groups have finished their discussions, the group reporter for that particular week will present to the class the words they were unsure of and the definitions they came up with. The class will either agree or disagree with the definitions. Each group will present their vocabulary words and definitions. Each student will be responsible for writing down each groups’ words and definitions. Some of the vocabulary words will be used as either their spelling words for the week or the bonus words of the week depending on the number of vocabulary words.
The students will be exposed to the vocabulary words numerous times and in a variety of ways. By using differentiated instruction, it will more easily address all student learners.
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Lauren, I really like this lesson on vocabulary. I think it is a good idea to have the students keep track of the words they are having trouble with. Plus, I like how the students would be using thier background knowledge to define the words. this is a great way to make connections. Having the other students say whether they agree or disagree about a definition is a great way to create a class discussion. When all students give their ideas on what a word might mean, it would become evident that there may be more than one interpretation for a word or various definitions.
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