4/5/10
Congratulations For Using Word Web Vocabulary, A New — And Better — Way Of Presenting Vocabulary: Not As An Additional Subject, But As The Integrating Element Of Your Language Arts Curricula!
You've got your Word Web package and reviewed all its instructions on how to make sure your students get the most from this program. On the first day, you probably used the pre- and post-tests (they are one and the same) that came with your order and had your students work those. Their answers probably gave you insight into their word knowledge, and you were able to evaluate your students’ progress when they took the post-test.
I'm sure you are familiar now with your teacher’s manual, have mastered Word Web’s symbols, and practiced all the tips I provided in the introduction, including the flow charts that set up the cadence of the vocabulary lessons. You probably are familiar with the varying interests and abilities of your students and know the level at which each pupil, whether an ELL, ESL or special-ed student, is capable of working.
Some who started at the beginner's level may now be working up to higher notches. I hope you and your class enjoy discussing the Bonus Blasts® and Literary Links ® and that you're posting Periodical Pearls® on a bulletin board. Please encourage your students to look through advertisements and stores for specific products that relate to vocabulary words, i.e. Cascade® dishwashing products, Hydrix®, Peds®, Unisom®, etc. When practical, encourage them to bring these products to class, but remind them not to bring any prescription or over-the-counter drugs to school.
Do you read Super Sentences® aloud to the class and post them on a bulletin board? Do you make the best use of Word Web by requiring students to use the four basic types of sentences — declarative, interrogative, exclamatory and imperative — in their lessons' vocabulary writing? Can they underline the subjects and predicates of their sentences? Are they adept at writing both compound and imperative sentences? Are they adept with their use of commas and other internal punctuation components?
You've heard from me. Now, I'd like to hear from you. What has worked best with you? Have you had problems with any aspect of Word Web? Do you feel your students are progressing with the learning of new words as well as with the grammatical part of writing? What features do they like best? Periodical Pearls? Wicked Words of the Week? Literary Links? Cool Connections? Bonus Blasts? Please let me know!
That’s my Word for this time.
Ellie
