9th - 10th Grade Vocabulary: Understanding Words in Context
High School Edition: A weekly vocabulary workshop targeted at mastering context clues, improving reading comprehension, and developing confidence; includes identifying synonyms, antonyms, and word parts. SMALL GROUP - 10 words per week. Prepare for the vocabulary section of the PSAT & SAT #academic
Marisa Hammond Olivares; (GT, ELA, ESL, ELL, SPED)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(325)
Star Educator
What's included
1 live meeting
40 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
At the end of class, students will receive a pdf of the words and slides that were shared during the lesson. The last two slides contain the optional challenge assignments. Students may send me their responses for feedback. Note, I highly recommend that the students complete these assignments. This will significantly improve their mastery of identifying context clues and will subsequently broaden their vocabulary.Assessment
*** Informal & Formative assessments are a natural part of my interactive teaching style. INTERACTIVES & ASSESSMENTS - Students will be assessed in a variety of ways: ~ Through interactive in-class participation ~ Kahoot!Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 10
~ SMALL GROUP ~ I absolutely LOVE teaching context clues! Building vocabulary and word choice awareness can be fun; it is almost like detective work. Learning to master context clues is a sure way to help build vocabulary, identify connotations, and improve reading comprehension. More importantly, these skills will get you ready for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. WHAT ARE CONTEXT CLUES? The words, phrases, or sentences surrounding an unfamiliar word can provide clues about its meaning. WEEKLY FORMAT ~ Identify 10 new words per week. Each week will be a variation of at least three of the following activities - ~ Identify the context clues for each new vocabulary word from short text excerpts. ~ Identify the actual definition of the words; solely based on the context clue. ~ Identify the appropriate part of speech. ~ Identify word parts: common prefixes, suffixes, and root words. ~ Identify proper synonyms and antonyms. ~ Identify multiple meanings - in context. ~ Read excerpts of a short article with all ten vocabulary words. ~ Aside from building vocabulary, by using actual articles and context clues, students will develop critical thinking skills, interpretation, confidence, and improve general reading comprehension skills. This course is perfect for real-world learning, state testing, and forthcoming college entrance exams. ROTATION OF WORDS: 12 full months (join anytime!). This class will run a fresh list of words from September through August. *** Student participation in completing any assessments, assignments, and class-related activities is the student's responsibility. UPCOMING HOLIDAYS: 2025 No classes the last two weeks of May No classes the week of June 30th, 2025 No classes from August 17th - September 6th No classes the week of October 13th No classes the week of November 24th No classes from December 21st - January 3rd
Learning Goals
Students are expected to significantly improve vocabulary, context clue awareness and achieve growth in reading comprehension. These skills will greatly influence the performance on the vocabulary section of the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and state testing.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students should have access to Kahoot!
~ Per Children Privacy Policy, U.S. students under 13 and non-U.S. students under 16 have the following limits:
They cannot sign in with email (must use username or Apple, Google, or Microsoft)
Suggestion: A Gmail designated explicitly for your learner makes this process easier.
Supply List
None However, many students find that creating their own "dictionary" with each of their new words is a great study guide. A simple composition book from the dollar store is a great choice.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Students should have access to Kahoot!
Joined July, 2020
4.9
325reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Bachelor's Degree from Texas Woman's University
My English courses are centered around thought-provoking critical reading skills, effective writing, and verbalizing one's interpretation of a literary text. I believe in living, laughing, and learning. My learning goals are for my students to gain a greater depth of understanding far beyond the text.
My professional background:
~ I have taught English Language Arts (ELA) in the middle school setting for 19+ years (Texas public schools).
~ I understand the Common Core Standards for my content area.
~ I have been an ELA Curriculum Writer in my district for over ten years.
~ I am ELA certified in the State of Texas for grades 4th through 8th.
~ I am certified as a generalist in Early Childhood - 4th Grade.
~ I am certified in ESL for grades Early Childhood - 12th Grade.
~ I am certified in Special Education for grades Early Childhood - 12th Grade.
~ In addition to education, I am an online writer for various websites. I have a background in Corporate Management, International Sales, Grant Writing, and I have worked as a Project Director for a non-profit organization.
~ I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance with a minor in English from Texas Woman's University.
My philosophy of teaching:
I believe strongly in developing independent thought, voice, and empathy. I enjoy enlightening students in the skills necessary for analyzing multiple viewpoints, building evidence-based opinions, and creating awareness toward opposing arguments. Civility and kindness are essential to me, and I encourage my students to be respectful as they develop their own opinions and counterarguments. Importantly, promoting metacognition in my students is a common approach in my teaching style. Yes, I LOVE teaching!
My family:
My daughter, Briana Olivares, is a teacher here at Outschool. She has had the gift of music since her earliest years, and she enjoys sharing this beautiful art form with her students. My son keeps us entertained and laughing. He is heartwarming, sweet, and has autism; he has taught me so much as a teacher and mother. My rock and supportive husband has been in Corporate Restaurant Management for over 32 years. Yum!
Requests for courses are welcomed!
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Communication:
Outschool is my primary occupation, and I prioritize live classes during teaching days (Monday through Thursday). While I may not respond promptly during these days, I aim to reply within 24 hours (usually sooner).
Offline Hours:
I am offline on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, although I do periodically check messages and aim to respond promptly.
Materials:
In alignment with my teaching approach, all of the related materials and optional homework lessons will be provided in a PDF at the END of each respective lesson (NOT before). My lessons are interactive, guided experiences where all necessary materials are presented and annotated during class. Additionally, all classes are recorded for students' reference.
Assignments & Feedback:
Students are responsible for completing any unfinished assignments from class. I encourage all students to send their responses for feedback through private message.Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week
40 min
Completed by 212 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
2-6 learners per class
