Hello, Future Students and Families!

In this class, we will practice 5 high-level vocabulary words each week by using the words in sentences, learning synonyms and antonyms for each word, and studying the words within context of stories and examples.  We spend about 30 minutes for our "lesson" part of class which also includes an optional discussion piece for students to interact with each other if they choose.  

After our lesson portion of class, we will move into our Kahoot game.  Students may choose to join our game to test their knowledge of the words we just learned together.  Other students may choose to sit back and watch the game instead of participating, which is okay too.

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Here is an outline of how this class is organized:

1) Students may join class 5 minutes early to discuss any concerns with me or may use this time to gather materials as the countdown timer plays.  

2) Class begins.  We review materials and welcome any new students to our group.

3) I share my screen and introduce our first word.  Students may volunteer to read the word out loud or share any information they might already know about the word. 

4) We discuss the word's meaning and brainstorm synonyms and antonyms (similar words and opposite words)

5) We review 2-3 example sentences using the word in context.  Students may choose to copy these examples or simply listen along as I read. 

6) We discuss how to properly pronounce the word and count the number of syllables in the word

7) We move into our spelling portion of class where students copy the word down onto their own sheets of paper

8) Discussion part of class:  I propose a question on the screen.  For example, let's say the word we are learning is "malicious", meaning someone is being mean or harmful to another person.  I might pose the question:  Has anyone ever met a malicious person before?  Students may respond if they choose but there is no pressure to participate.  Some students also choose to discuss the question in our class chat box instead of speaking out loud.

9) We finish our discussion and move on to the next word. 

10)  When we finish all 5 words, we begin our Kahoot game.  Students may choose to join the game or watch instead.  Students can join the game by clicking on the link that I send in our chat box, or they may use a second device (phone, tablet, etc.) with the Kahoot app.      

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Who should join?

All ability levels are welcome!

Become a better reader and test taker by mastering vocabulary terms commonly found on the Scholastic Assessment Test, known as the SAT.  By learning through movement and games, students will build a true understanding of words that will help them maintain strong, reliable, and lasting reading comprehension skills. 

This course is designed for intermediate elementary and beginner middle students (grades 3, 4, 5, 6) to become familiar with and fluent in key academic vocabulary terms that have been researched to consistently appear on standardized tests. Students will ultimately improve their reading comprehension and test taking skills by acquiring a true understanding of academic vocabulary words through fun and interactive games.

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We will begin class with an interactive introduction to each word through a Google Slides presentation.  Each word will include a a definition and examples that will assist students in comprehending the meaning of each word.  Students will learn the meanings of the words in context, and will practice writing each word to assist in spelling acquisition.  After we practice reading, spelling, and using each word in different contexts, we will then move into our vocabulary Kahoot game where students will practice matching each word to its corresponding meaning.  This review game will include various question styles, such as matching, multiple choice, and fill in the blank.  The winner of each round will receive a Vocabulary Master Certificate to print at home.

At the end of class, students will receive a unique code that will grant them access to my personally-made Kahoot game for them to practice the vocabulary words long after our time together has ended.  This code will not have an expiration date, so students will have access to my game for as long as they need it.   

Each week will include a vocabulary practice sheet for students to work on after class if they choose.  Students may send me their completed practice sheets for me to check.  

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*This course is designed to meet the needs of every type of learner:

Visual Learners:  Each word is presented in written form through the Google Slides presentation and the pintable word list each week.  We practice writing the words together during our "jot" portion of class. 

Auditory Learners:  Our "echo" portion of class is meant to meet the needs of auditory learners by repeating the words using different tones and rhythms.  All examples are verbally read aloud, in addition to the questions and answer choices during the Kahoot game.

Kinesthetic Learners:  Movements and gestures will be used for words that allow for them (like verbs) -- For example, I might move my arms in an up and down motion to act out the word 'fluctuate'.  Students can participate in these gestures if they choose.  The gestures will also be used during the Kahoot game to help students remember the words. 

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***ATTENTION OUTSCHOOL TEACHERS* -- This course and its materials are protected for use by the designer of this course, Jessica Ellis of Ellis Academics, LLC, and should not be copied or reproduced in any way.  Any reproduction of this class, its description, or its content will be reported.