Four Square Vocabulary Cards

Providing a Rich Context for New Words

Stage of Literacy Development:

Stage 2: Consolidation / Fluency
Stage 3: Literacy for Growth

Ages:

6-9

Grade Range:

2nd 3rd

Food Groups:

Primary:
Vocabulary

Activity Description

Preparation:

Photocopy Vocabulary Cards worksheet
1. Each group should receive 1 set of cards (1 set includes 4 different cards)
Prepare Assignment Cards
1. Photocopy Assignment Cards worksheet
2. Cut out Assignment Cards
3. Each group should receive 1 set of cards (1 set includes 4 different assignments)
Prepare Word Cards
1. Cut out cards from cardstock
2. Write 8-10 vocabulary words on cards
  - Try to choose words that are new to students or to a unit, but that are common enough that students may encounter them again (see Additional Comments)
Gather writing materials and dictionaries
Prepare a sample set of Vocabulary Cards
1. Display the cards at the front of the classroom

Implementation:

Explain how to complete the Vocabulary Cards
1. Explain that each group of 4 students will have a different assignment
  1. For example: Defining the word, brainstorming related ideas, writing a meaningful sentence and illustrating a picture that reflects the word
2. Model how to complete each Vocabulary Card
  1. Refer to the examples of each card on display
Hand out the Assignment Cards
1. Each group member should receive a different Assignment Card
Hand out Word Cards
1. Each group should receive 1 Word Card
Have students complete their Vocabulary Cards in small groups
Have groups glue their Vocabulary Cards on a large piece of construction paper
Have group members share their Four Square Vocabulary charts
You may wish to display the charts around the classroom or in the hallway

Adaptations For

English Language Learners/ESL:

- Review the meaning of the vocabulary word prior to the activity
- Have students work in pairs within their groups to complete each Vocabulary Card
- Provide the student with a picture that matches the vocabulary word

LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:

- Allow the student to type the individual Vocabulary Card or scribe for the student
- Repeat the instructions to each group as they begin the activity
- Use mixed ability grouping and a buddy system when finding words in dictionaries

Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:

- Select vocabulary words that are culturally inclusive
- Select vocabulary words with which students have some familiarity

Differentiated Instruction:

- Complete the task a few different times so that each student has the opportunity to complete each Vocabulary Card

Related References

Evidence: Lane, H. B. & Allen, S. A. (2010). The vocabulary-rich classroom: Modeling sophisticated word use to promote word consciousness and vocabulary growth. Reading Teacher, 63, 362-370.

Activity Objective

The goal of Four Square Vocabulary Cards: Providing a Rich Context for New Words is to provide students with an opportunity to expand their vocabularies and foster critical thinking by exploring given words in four different ways.

What You Need

Prep Time:

20 minutes
- Photocopy Vocabulary Cards worksheet
- Prepare Assignment Cards
- Prepare Word Cards
- Gather writing materials and dictionaries
- Prepare a sample set of Vocabulary Cards

Task Time:

30-40 minutes
- Teacher explains and models how to complete the Vocabulary Cards
- Students complete Vocabulary Cards in groups
- Students share Four Square Vocabulary chart

Materials Required:

Teacher:
- Sample set of Vocabulary Cards
- Scissors
- Cardstock

Students:
- Vocabulary Cards worksheet (1 set per group)
- Assignment Cards worksheet (1 assignment per student)
- Word cards (1 per group)
- Pencils (1 per student)
- Crayons (1 set per group)
- Glue (1 per group)
- Large construction paper (1 per group)
- Dictionaries (1 per group)

What You Do

Teacher Role:

Direct instruction:
- while explaining Vocabulary Cards

Modeling:
- while demonstrating how to complete Vocabulary Cards

Consultant:
- while students complete Vocabulary Cards

Facilitator:
- while students share Four Square Vocabulary charts

Student Grouping:

Whole class:
- during explanation, modeling, and sharing time

Small groups:
- when students complete Vocabulary Cards

Assessment Ideas:

- Use a checklist to check for understanding of the vocabulary words while students work on the task and during presentations

- Track students' understanding of the meaning of each vocabulary word in a weekly word quiz

Quick Tips

Activity Extensions:

- Repeat the task by rotating the Word and Assignment Cards

- As students share their Four Square charts record a list of the vocabulary words and include the definition of each word
   a.  Record the heading "Expand Vocabulary" at the top of this list, display the chart in the classroom and add new vocabulary words to it on a regular basis

- In their groups, have students create a story using all of the vocabulary words

Additional Comments:

- As students work on their Vocabulary Cards, consult with each student by providing oral feedback and encouragement.

- Vocabulary words used for this activity may come from a weekly list, the word wall or a book that the students are reading. Always teach new vocabulary in a meaningful context and give students lots of opportunities to use the word. Try to choose words that are "just right": students will use them again but they are not too easy. For example, for a unit on medieval times, "knight", and "castle" may be too easy, "breastplate" and "cobbler" may not be common enough to be worth spending time on, "catapult", "glory," "apprentice", "chivalry", "noble" may be examples of interesting, subject-specific words that have important meaning and may be seen again.

- Playing games with new words on a regular basis helps students expand their vocabulary.

Other Adaptations/Modifications:

- Provide a quiet work space for students disturbed by sound

- Color code each Vocabulary Card