Pre-reading Strategies

STRATEGY 1

Do I Know These Words?

When students encounter unfamiliar vocabulary in a passage, their comprehension is severely affected. This pre-reading activity provides teachers with the opportunity to assess students' prior knowledge of the vocabulary words and increase that knowledge before reading. Students tire of the "look it up in the dictionary" approach, and this activity provides an engaging alternative.

Suggestions for use:

This activity is used on both an individual and group basis. The teacher should give each student a copy of the "Do I Know These Words" handout. A list of the vocabulary words will be listed at the bottom of the sheet. Students should be given around five to ten minutes to complete the worksheet. Students will put the words in the correct column based on their knowledge of the words. After students complete the worksheets, the teacher should use whole group discussion to cover each word and its meaning.

STRATEGY 2

Connection Cards

Connection cards can be used to create a study guide for the vocabulary words that students are covering. The purpose of these cards is for the student to make a personal connection with each vocabulary word. This strategy is an improvement on the normal "write the definition and use it in a sentence" vocabulary exercise. Connection cards allow students to use their creativity and put a personal stamp on each word.

Suggestions for Use:

These cards should be completed individually so that the student may make his own personal connection with each word. A note card should be divided into four equal sections: in the first section, the word is listed; in the second section students will write their definition of the word (which should have been discussed previously with the students). The third section is used for the student to draw some representation, whether it is a symbol or picture, of the word. Finally, the last section can be used for different purposes: antonyms, synonyms, sentences, etc. The teacher will decide the use of the fourth section.

Even though students complete their cards individually, they should share cards with the class. Students benefit from hearing others' personal connections with the words and may choose to add something else to their existing picture or symbol.

STRATEGY 3

Vocabulary Circle

Vocabulary circle is a visual organizer that helps students understand key words and concepts. The circle is divided into four or more equal sections to hold words or symbols that are connected by a common relationship. They create a visual reference for how the concepts are related and can be used effectively in all subject areas.

Suggested Use:

To construct a vocabulary circle, use the pattern provided or divide a circle into four (or more) sections. In each section write a word or phrase related to the topic or word. Circles may be used in three ways:

1. All of the words in the circle are related and the students must tell how they are related.

2. All of the words in the circle are related except one. The student must identify the unrelated word and explain how the other words are related.

3. One or more of the sections is left blank. Students must fill in the blank sections with words that are related to the other words in the circle and explain why they chose those words.

STRATEGY 4

Map This Word

Word maps are diagrams that can be teacher or student created. They can help introduce new vocabulary, but more importantly, allow students to see the relationships and connections between words. These maps can be used in all subject areas and can also be completed as a during reading or after reading strategy.

Suggested Use:

This activity can be done individually or with a small group. However, the important aspect of this activity is not how the map is completed. The important part is making sure the maps are reviewed as a whole group. The teacher should make sure to review the correct answers on a master map with the class and elaborate on the relationships that are made within the map.

STRATEGY 5

Don't Bug Me Vocabulary

Don't bug me vocabulary is very similar to the connection card but is intended for the elementary student. Students put important information about the vocabulary word on different parts of the bug.

Suggested Use:

The word is placed at the top of the bug. Students are to find the definition, an antonym, synonym, part of speech, and write a sentence. "Don't bug me" is a great pre-reading activity that allows students to use a dictionary and thesaurus and become familiar with finding words.

STRATEGY 6

Word Sets

Word sets are useful when trying to get students to make associations among words or concepts. This activity can be done in multiple ways.

Suggested Use:

The first way to use word sets is effective when used with an Active Board or Smart board. Different categories should be established at the top of the set. Below these categories can be pictures or words. Students are to classify the words or pictures into their correct categories.

The second type of word set involves giving students an established list of words. They can then identify the word that does not belong in the group of words or fill in the blank with the missing word.

STRATEGY 7

Magic Words

The main purpose of magic words is to reinforce...